The shortage of emergency response vehicles is a serious problem being faced in the Western Cape, with the numerous fires that need to be contended with at this time of year. The lack of vehicles often leads to emergency services taking up to 40 minutes to arrive at disaster scenes, especially in more remote areas. It goes without saying that the vital lost time can literally mean the difference between life and death.
With the Rotary Club of Newlands' recent fundraising project, the club was able to donate a multi-purpose vehicle to the EVS. "We are incredibly grateful to all the support that we have received from all our sponsors and supporters; without their selfless generosity, this project would not have become a reality," said Burke.
"With the generous support from Isuzu Trucks SA, we were able to donate a fully-kitted, multi-purpose vehicle, which will provide services to residents in the south of Cape Town, from Claremont to Cape Point, including Masiphumelele, Ocean View and Redhill. The support has been overwhelming, we even received a generous donation from the Rotary Club of Albert Park in Melbourne, Australia, who took it upon themselves to organise a raffle to help raise funds for this project," added Burke.
"When working with Rotary Clubs, you know that the funds get invested in the projects that they are intended for. If it was not for their support and knowledge, and bringing all the parties together, we would not have this magnificent asset available for emergency support," commented Davin Chown from EVS. "This project has been all about active partnerships and engaging with each other for the benefit of the whole community. With this vehicle we will be able to respond a lot faster and contain emergency areas a lot quicker while we wait for the larger support teams to arrive."
Councillor Felicity Purchase from the City of Cape Town congratulated the Rotary Club of Newlands and the EVS on this initiative and collaboration. She commented on the importance of having quick access to an emergency vehicle. In the past there was always the danger of a team being isolated on this side of the Peninsula while waiting for support, with this emergency vehicle that risk has been minimised considerably.
