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PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The Plettenberg Bay community united on Saturday September 30, 2017 not only to honour the firefighters who risk their lives to protect their community, but also to raise funds for them to ensure they have the best equipment to do so.
More than R30 000 was raised during the Plett #SoundstheCallRace, which was hosted at the Cairnbrogie Estate.
The event involved not only a mountain bike race but an array of entertainment throughout the day.
All proceeds will go towards the #SoundstheCall initiative aimed at raising funds for local fire management units.
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The initiative was started after the massive role these volunteer firefighters played during the June Plett and Knysna fires which claimed the life of one these members, Bradley Richards.
“So many people contributed to making this a wonderful day, from the sponsors to the community who came out to enjoy the day with us. We are incredibly thankful for each and every one for their efforts,” organiser Denise McNamara said.
She added that the feedback was very positive and said that it would become an annual event.
One of many highlights was the “toughest firefighter” contest which saw volunteers, Bitou firefighters and local crime fighters take on various challenges – from tyre flips to carrying heavy loads of water – for the ultimate title.
“Everyone who participated in the challenge showed sterling efforts. Some got sunburn and others serious muscle burn. Most had no idea how tough that challenge was going to be and that was less than half of the full ‘toughest firefighter alive’ competition.
Plettenberg Bay firefighters and volunteers took on local crime fighters in a strongman competition on September 30, 2017 as part of a fundraiser for the #SoundstheCall initiative in aid of volunteer firefighters in Bitou.
The FMU’s took a beating. Respect to the Bitou Fire Department,” Steve Ritky of the Plett South FMU said.
“Our massive thanks go out to every single person who attended. Our efforts would be so different without the huge input of the good people of our town,” Steve Rikty of the Plett South FMU said.
He added the efforts of the #SoundstheCall initiative was nothing short of humbling.
“The value of your sharing our belief and vision and your constant fight to help us achieve it cannot be measured or expressed.
"Without you guys we would not have achieved all we have nor have the opportunities which you have opened up for us and for our town.”
ARTICLE & PHOTOS: YOLANDÉ STANDER, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST
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