- Volunteer firefighter Mike Rushton helped raise R5,000 for the Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) through Engen’s employee community partnership programme.
- This funding will aid in purchasing much-needed fire equipment and PPE for VWS, which protects South Africa’s natural heritage and communities from wildfires.
- Rushton encourages more people to volunteer and highlights the importance of donations in sustaining the organisation.
Much-needed fire equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE) and fuel for firefighting organisation, Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) can now be purchased thanks to a generous donation.
VWS, one the largest volunteer firefighting organisations in South Africa, protects South Africa’s natural heritage, properties, lives, and precious mountain water catchment areas from fires.
De Waterkant resident Mike Rushton, a volunteer firefighter at the organisation, helped raise R5 000.
Rushton, an employee at a petroleum company, applied for the company’s employee community partnership programme (ECPP) and was eligible for a R5 000 grant.
Rushton said he wants to plough back and do his bit for the environment.
“I wanted to give back to the community and also the environment. I love being on the mountain. There is camaraderie and teamwork, but mostly, it’s about giving back. If you do volunteer work, then you can submit an application to the company (Engen). They will then review it and if you’re eligible they contribute toward the organisation that you volunteer for.”
Olwethu Mdabula, the company’s CSI Manager, says ECPP seeks to create meaningful partnerships between employees who are involved in community upliftment initiatives and their local communities, thereby fostering a caring company ethos.
“As a caring company with ‘heart,’ we are proud to support the VWS and commend Mike for his brave contribution to keeping the people of Cape Town safe.”
Four stations
VWS was established in 1999 and now has a force of over 300 volunteers, with women making up 34% of the team.
It operates from four stations located in Newlands, the South Peninsula, Stellenbosch, and the Helderberg, combating dangerous and sometimes deadly runaway wildfires in the province.
Rushton said every rand makes a difference.
He explained that he joined the organisation six years ago because of the important work that they do.
“It is not just about firefighting. Behind the scenes, there are key non-firefighting roles within VWS such as logistics, planning and despatch that the public is not always aware of.”
Rushton encouraged more people to become volunteers.
“Being a firefighter requires dedication, teamwork, awareness, being fit and a commitment to protecting our community and natural heritage. I encourage more of my Engen colleagues to join VWS in any of the roles.
“We do training during winter, then there is orientation which starts in April. I encourage anyone (who) would like to assist to get involved. Last year was one of our busiest years. Your help will make a difference.”
Claire Lötter, VWS’s chief executive officer, says VWS protects communities and endangered fynbos species through fire suppression activities and fire education at schools.
She emphasises the importance of donations in sustaining non-profit organisations (NPOs).
“We are very grateful to Engen for the donation. As a solely privately funded non-profit, we are very grateful for the assistance.
The money will be used for our ongoing operational needs. We currently have over 250 recruits training this season,” she says.
Lötter says while their 2024 intake of recruit firefighters has closed, volunteers can get involved in their marketing and fundraising efforts. “People also have the opportunity to sponsor a new recruit’s PPE and assist us in keeping our firefighters safe on the fire line.”
