The team at Toyota Material Handling, a division of CFAO Equipment, demonstrated their commitment to community service by donating a tow tractor worth R600 000 to the South African Red Cross Air Mercy Service Trust (AMS).
This generous contribution aimed to support life-saving operations in the Gqeberha region of the Eastern Cape.
AMS is a non-profit aero-medical organisation with operational bases in the Western Cape (Cape Town and Oudtshoorn), KwaZulu-Natal (Durban), and the Eastern Cape (Buffalo City, Gqeberha, and Mthatha).
The organisation provides a vital air ambulance network, outreach, and emergency rescue services, particularly facilitating access to healthcare for those in remote rural areas.
AMS is unique in Southern Africa, offering a comprehensive package of air ambulance, health outreach, and rescue services to local communities.
The need for a new tow tractor at the AMS Gqeberha base became urgent when the existing unit was deemed beyond economical repair.
The tow tractor is essential for moving emergency helicopters out of the hangar, allowing medics and pilots to respond swiftly to emergencies.
Recognising the critical situation, AMS reached out to Toyota Material Handling for assistance.
AMS CEO, Farhaad Haffejee, highlighted the importance of the tow tractor to their operations. “Without a reliable substitute, we faced potential disruptions that could negatively impact our ability to provide our critical services to local communities.
“The new tow tractor represents a transformative asset for our organisation. We are incredibly grateful to Toyota Material Handling for the generous donation, which is a pivotal enhancement for our AMS Gqeberha operations.”
Arveen Ramdhani, Head of Human Capital at CFAO Equipment, explained Toyota Material Handling’s swift response, saying, “When we heard about AMS’s dilemma, we immediately understood how critical the situation was and offered to help. This is not the first time we have assisted AMS.
“In 2021, AMS approached us to help repair a tow tractor at its Richards Bay base and relocate it to Cape Town. At that time, AMS only had operational bases in KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. They have since expanded into the Eastern Cape, with three active helicopter bases in Gqeberha, Buffalo City, and Mthatha.”
Ramdhani emphasised Toyota Material Handling’s commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility through such infrastructure support.
“The tow tractor will help facilitate AMS’s operations, make medical transportation more efficient, and ultimately save more lives. As we celebrate Toyota Material Handling’s 40-year anniversary, this donation is a fitting testimony to our commitment to give back to the communities we operate in. Accessible health services mean that every individual receives the necessary care when needed the most.”
Haffejee concluded by noting the broader impact of the donation. “For AMS, the tow tractor is not just a logistical upgrade. It is a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care for those who depend on our services in their most urgent times of need.”
