City's Bravest Run to
support VWS
– A Step Forward in Aid of the Volunteer Wildfire Services
Firefighting duo geared up for Two Oceans return
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.
For the second year in a row, two dedicated City of Cape Town firefighters are gearing up to conquer the Totalsports Two Oceans Half-Marathon, all while clad in their firefighting gear and then some! Jermaine Carelse and Renaldo Duncan, the dynamic firefighting duo, are leading the charge on Sunday, April 14th, in a mission to raise critical funds for Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS).
Carelse, a seasoned Divisional Commander at Goodwood Fire Station with 23 years of firefighting experience, answered the call to save lives two decades ago, bringing his unwavering dedication to the frontline. Duncan, based at Sir Lowry’s Pass Fire Station for 14 years, embodies the spirit of service and courage that defines our firefighting community.
When asked why he would tackle the Two Oceans Marathon again in full gear? Carelse shares, “Our firefighting journey is filled with challenges that test our resolve and dedication. This year, we’re adding an extra challenge by carrying our SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus), weighing an additional 10kg. It’s a tribute to our partnership with VWS and a celebration of their 25th anniversary. We hope the public will join us in supporting this cause, recognizing the sacrifices made by firefighters every day.”
Jermaine Carelse
Duncan echoes the sentiment, saying, “As someone with a history of volunteering as a firefighter, I deeply understand the sacrifices made by these brave individuals on a daily basis. They courageously face the frontline, knowing they must return to their regular jobs the next day. It’s because of this understanding that I accepted the challenge—not because I’m fearless, but because I recognize that preparing for it will test me both mentally and physically”
Renaldo Duncan
Join us in supporting our local firefighting heroes as they run in
full gear to support VWS.
Our Firefighters' Story
Step into the world of our brave firefighters, Jermaine Carelse and Renaldo Duncan, through these captivating videos from their efforts in 2023. Witness firsthand their incredible dedication, not just in the demanding realms of the City of Cape Town Fire & Rescue Service but also in their extraordinary commitment to running the Two Oceans Half Marathon in full gear. These visuals not only highlight the physical challenges they endure for the cause but also shine a light on their dedication to raise funds for the Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS). Every frame is a testament to why your support matters.
Watch, be inspired, and understand the real impact of your donation in our relentless fight against wildfires.
Transforming Every Donation into Action
With over 350 dedicated VWS volunteer firefighters and support teams are always ready to confront Cape Town’s notorious summer blazes head-on. Since the start of this fire season, they’ve tirelessly responded to calls day and night, all while juggling their regular jobs.
Armed with hoses and rubber fire beaters, our volunteers fearlessly rush to the frontline, leaving their day jobs behind to battle relentless wildfires for hours on end.
As a nonprofit organization, we lean on the incredible support of our community and corporate partners. Your financial contributions make it possible for us to continue protecting our breathtaking landscape, farms, homes, and most importantly, precious lives.
Every donation, no matter the size, fuels a powerful engine of change and resilience against wildfires. Your support enables the Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) to equip brave volunteers with the necessary training, protective gear, and resources they need to safely and effectively combat fires.
A message from the Chief Executive Officer
“I am taken aback by the courageous feat of endurance undertaken by both firefighters, and all of us at the VWS are deeply appreciative for the sentiment shared by our colleagues in the City who will be running this marathon again on our behalf to raise much needed funds.
The VWS is a registered NGO and has to cover its operating costs purely from public and corporate donations. We are always 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.
We will be there, both at the starting line and at the finish line to cheer them on.”
Claire Lötter – CEO of VWS
A message from the Chief Executive Officer
“I am taken aback by the courageous feat of endurance undertaken by both firefighters, and all of us at the VWS are deeply appreciative for the sentiment shared by our colleagues in the City who will be running this marathon again on our behalf to raise much needed funds.
The VWS is a registered NGO and has to cover its operating costs purely from public and corporate donations. We are always 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.
We will be there, both at the starting line and at the finish line to cheer them on.”
Claire Lötter – CEO of VWS
