| Firefighting duo geared up for Two Oceans return | Firefighting duo geared up for Two Oceans return | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/Jermaine%20and%20Renaldo%20after%20successfully%20completing%20the%20race%20in%202023.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <p>Jermaine Carelse and Renaldo Duncan plan to wear it all once more, for charity and fire safety awareness, and carrying the ‘weight of the work’ on their shoulders. Read more below:<br></p> | <p>City of Cape Town firefighters, Jermaine Carelse and Renaldo Duncan are at it again.</p><p>The duo aims to finish the Totalsports Two Oceans half marathon in under three and a half hours on 14 April, kitted out in their full firefighting gear.</p><p>This year, they are adding a twist weighing 10 kilograms, in the form of their self-containing breathing apparatus (SCBA). </p><p>In this video, Jermaine and Renaldo explain how they are training for the challenge: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sldzA440Kcs">Firefighters carry the weight of the work for charity - YouTube</a><br></p><figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/Renaldo%20Duncan%20demos%20the%20breathing%20apparatus%20that%27ll%20form%20part%20of%20the%20race%20gear%20this%20year.jpg" alt="" style="width:1029px;" /></figure>This will be the third time that the seasoned firefighters take on the race in their uniforms, and it'll be the second year that they're raising awareness, and funds, on behalf of the Volunteer Wildfire Service (VWS).<div><br><p></p><p>In 2023, their efforts boosted the VWS coffers by R181 000, courtesy of donations from individuals and corporates. </p><p>'Jermaine and Renaldo have generated such goodwill and positivity with this initiative, and we are hoping for a similar outpouring of support this year. Cape Town has had one of the most extraordinary wildfire seasons in history, and it has pushed firefighting agencies to the limit. We would have been far worse off without the members of the Volunteer Wildfire Services, working side by side with career firefighters on the frontline, to protect lives and property. The City is incredibly grateful to VWS, and we're immensely proud of Jermaine and Renaldo for their efforts to drum up support for the organisation. I am confident that Capetonians will throw their weight behind our firefighters, and VWS,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith. </p><p><span></span></p><figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/Renaldo%20and%20Jermaine%20with%20Ald%20JP%20Smith%20at%20the%20starting%20line%20in%202023.jpg" alt="" style="width:912px;" /></figure>For a glimpse into the men behind the uniform, click here: <a href="https://bit.ly/3x33Y48">https://bit.ly/3x33Y48</a></div><div><br><p></p><p>VWS is a registered NGO that relies on public and corporate donations to cover its operating costs. </p><p>It costs approximately R7 500 to train each volunteer firefighter, and equip them with basic Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). </p><p>Volunteers are required to purchase their own backpacks, fire boots, water and nutrition that is needed while fighting fires.</p><p>'We are extremely grateful for the assistance and up until now, that has kept us going. We are wanting to do more, but are limited by the increasing cost of our operations. Our biggest expense at the moment is our vehicles, with our oldest being a 28-year-old Land Rover people carrier. You'll see our bright yellow vehicle running around the mountain during times of disaster, ferrying eight volunteers at a time. The cost of maintaining our ageing fleet is draining our resources and we are desperately trying to reduce this burden. All of us at VWS are deeply appreciative of Jermaine and Renaldo's selfless act of running this marathon again on our behalf to raise much needed funds. We will be there, both at the starting line and the finish line, to cheer them on,' said VWS CEO, Claire Lötter.</p><p></p><p>Donations to the VWS can be made directly via the website, <a href="http://www.vws.org.za/">www.vws.org.za</a> or through their social media pages. </p><p>Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/VolunteerWildfireServices">https://www.facebook.com/VolunteerWildfireServices</a></p><p>Instagram handle: @vwsfires<br></p><p><br></p></div> | 2024-03-20T22:00:00Z | GP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d | | | | | GP0|#3bd13869-3207-4532-9db7-a4ca95867a50;L0|#03bd13869-3207-4532-9db7-a4ca95867a50|JP Smith;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GPP|#3f57ea8a-3adb-4a8f-bb3a-0a20a62c7fe9;GP0|#c9a37481-28d8-4326-8fb2-8171e2dd5ce8;L0|#0c9a37481-28d8-4326-8fb2-8171e2dd5ce8|Fire and Rescue Service;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GPP|#d37f038d-719f-45ff-b7c1-e8bb0119e4c4;GP0|#fe214599-8cd9-4d96-8745-6b56c8946f66;L0|#0fe214599-8cd9-4d96-8745-6b56c8946f66|two oceans marathon;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | 0 |
