Successful fundraiser aids CPF and TFR
Thabazimbi - The Community Policing Forum (CPF) and Thabazimbi Fire and Rescue (TFR) rely on the services of volunteers who offer their time and resources for free to combat crime and to tend to emergencies in the community.
To raise funds for their initiatives, CPF and TFR members hosted a fundraising day at Thabazimbi’s showgrounds on Saturday 27 May 2023.
Community members, South African Police Services (SAPS) and various security and emergency response stakeholders stepped up to the occasion, to show their unwavering support, leaving none disappointed!
On Saturday 27 May 2023, the local community policing forum (CPF) and Thabazimbi Fire and Rescue (TFR) hosted a fundraising day at Thabazimbi’s showgrounds, where community members, South African Police Services (SAPS) and various security and emergency response stakeholders showed their unwavering support.
The CPF is a community-based organisation which collaborates with SAPS to prevent crime and promote safety in communities. CPF volunteers help to identify crime hotspots, raise awareness on crime prevention, and provide support to victims of crime. Meanwhile, TFR volunteers respond to fires and accidents, and aid SAPS and emergency responders whenever possible. TFR members also offer training on fire safety and prevention.
During the fundraiser, CPF and TFR volunteers, with the support of SAPS and emergency response stakeholders, gave various demonstrations of what they do to assist in emergencies, including how to respond to an accident scene, a rope rescue scenario where a person is saved from a height.
One of the highlights of the day which truly captivated the audience was the sight of a vehicle being chased by a helicopter from Jager Aviation.
Dinare Security’s Kobus Malan got into character and played one of the thugs in the vehicle chase who tried to evade CPF and SAPS members.
CPF chairperson Petrus van Breda let his trained Alsatian, Attila, join the ground operation. Nearing the end, Malan tried to make a final run with his hands cuffed behind his back—much to the delight of the cheering crowd.
Spectators also enjoyed an exhibition of SAPS’ Task Force equipment and weapons, as well as an exhibition of police emergency services (PES) equipment.
A local dog trainer entertained attendees with the tricks he taught his 4-legged companions.
Foodies had the opportunity to treat themselves to a spitbraai, potjie and a braai provided by amateur chefs who competed for the champion titles of their categories.
Andrew Pelser from S&Z panel beaters took the title as champion of the spitbraai, Lourens du Plessis won the potjie category, and Beverley Spira Kühn from the Thabazimbi Homeless Shelter was announced as the braai champion.
With more than 1,500 people showing up, the fundraiser was a massive success! It brought together people who are all about community safety and security. The money they raised will go towards buying the CPF and the TFR surveillance cameras and a drone to keep an eye out for criminals from above.
The TFR would also be able to use the drone to tackle dangerous fire situations. The funds will also help to cover basic expenses like fuel which enables the CPF and TFR to make a difference in our communities.
A special thanks to all who attended and showed their support, and a thank you to CPF and TFR members whose selfless efforts continue to keep us safe.
#FosteringASenseOfCommunity