AfriForum’s emergency fund helps firefighters tackle wildfires without fear

Soundbite: Tarien Cooks (English)

Klankgreep: Tarien Cooks (Afrikaans)

AfriForum is on high alert for the wildfire season and its emergency fund has ensured that 300 packages have been put together to support firefighters – including farmers and community members – as they help combat devastating fires in the northern parts of the country.

“When firefighters extinguish wildfires, the intense heat and smoke often affect their ability to effectively fight the fires, especially in cases of a runaway fire. These individuals deal with dry eyes, throat and lips, become easily dehydrated due to the high temperatures and can sustain serious burns,” says Tarien Cooks, AfriForum’s Disaster Management Specialist.

Each pack is compact and portable, allowing it to be easily attached to the wearer’s belt. The contents are specifically designed to meet the immediate needs of a firefighter and include eye drops, sunscreen, lip balm, and isotonic powder. Cohesive compression, plasters and Burnshield products have also been added for the immediate treatment of burns. The packages will be sent to fire protection associations to use as needed.

“The challenges with wildfires are not only that they pose a threat to the environment, but also to the lives and livelihoods of communities. It is crucial that communities come together to support each other in times of need. AfriForum’s initiative to provide these packages to firefighters is an example of how organisations, businesses and individuals can work together to protect our communities. Every contribution counts and it is our responsibility to help where we can,” says Francois Rossouw, CEO of Saai.

The generous donation from Burnshield, the XCO Group and the Arrie Nel Pharmacy Group made the compilation of these packages possible.

AfriForum’s emergency fund enables the civil rights organisation to respond immediately and purposefully when communities are hit by disasters such as wildfires. Unlike the government, which repeatedly fails to make disaster funds available in a timely and transparent manner, AfriForum ensures that every cent is used responsibly and effectively where it is needed most.

“Our communities can no longer wait for government and that is why AfriForum has set up the emergency fund – to lend a helping hand when it is needed most,” says Cooks.

Members of the public who would like to contribute to AfriForum’s emergency fund can make a direct donation. The bank details for the emergency fund are as follows:

Bank:                         First National Bank (FNB)

Account holder:       AfriForum MSW

Branch code:            261550

Account number:     623 498 98 398

Reference:                Wildfire