Amazing ‘no golf day’ raises R500 000 for Richards Bay Sea Rescue

AN annual golf day that never took place owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, paradoxically ended up raising a record donation for the Richards Bay’s NSRI Station 19 base.

For the past 14 years, Island View Shipping (IVS) has, with the support of the shipping fraternity, hosted a fun-filled event with a single aim: to help in funding the incredible work done by the sea rescue volunteers.

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As with other aborted fundraising events this year, the golf day could not take place, but IVS remained committed to maintaining its annual contribution.

Despite the fact that those who regularly backed the cause were themselves financially affected, they never doubted that their support base would respond.

Many donors commented that they were well aware that the NSRI was subject to the same financial constraints as were the business sector.

And so it was that the shipping companies and some individuals raised a combined R185 500, with many of them matching or even surpassing their previous annual donations – all of which was augmented to an astonishing R500 000 by IVS.

The handover of the huge cheque took place at the NSRI base on Friday, after which IVS representatives and other donors enjoyed a light lunch and a boat trip around the harbour.

‘It took a special effort this year, but our regular supporters stepped up as usual,’ said IVS General Manager, Brandon Paul.

‘In fact, Covid gave us even more reason to give.’

Responding to the spectacular donation, Station 19 Commander, Bernard Minnie, said: ‘With such people in the community it is our privilege to serve and their generosity is why we are the best base in the country.’

He extended profound thanks to the following sponsors:
Island View Shipping, Sturrock Grindrod Maritime, Rennies Ships Agency, Pacific Basin Shipping (SA), FairShip SA, Access World, WWW 365 Shipping, Alfred H Knight Ukwanda, SSD Marine Security & Services, Mentor Shipping Agency, African Dragon Shipbroking, Capricorn Shipbroking, Storm Plant Hire, Philip Harris, MUR Shipping, Clarkson Platou (SA), Davlink Marine, Nautilus Shipbroking, Penmarine Shipping, Lighthouse Navigation, Kevin Riekert, Thor Marine Independent Marine Services, Bay Shipping, Universal Pulse 77, Ultrabulk SA, A&M Logistics and NCT Forestry Co-operative Limited.

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