Jets
& Jewels will be the theme for Friday, June 3rd, in Hanger 8 at Virginia Airport, when two local NPO organisations,
the Nicholas Rey Foundation and Rescuetech will be joining forces to host an
extravagant gala fundraiser brought to you by the Gold Circle Champion Season.
These
two NPO organisations have partnered to provide critical emergency care and
long term medical assistance to the general public and in particular victims of
equestrian related incidents.
The
Nicholas Rey Foundation was formed by Ricky Smit, a friend of Nicholas Rey, a
victim of an unfortunate freak accident playing polo in June 2004 which left
him with a severe brainstem injury, from which he is unable to move or speak.
Rey is the Patron of the foundation and still remains an avid admirer of the
horse, despite his injury.
Smit
who has experienced a horse‐riding accident of her own, is aware of how
fortunate she was not to have been severely injured and was inspired to make a
difference, especially once she realised the medical costs incurred by the Rey
family. Although the Rey family came from a financially secure background and
could afford to pay for the on‐going medical treatment and rehabilitation of
Nicolas’s treatment, there were many other victims who could not which was the
basis for the establishment of the foundation. “Since its inception we’ve been
able to help different people who have been injured in horse related accidents,”
she said.
Now
in its tenth year, the foundation has lent its help by importing medical
devices, paying for physiotherapy rehabilitation sessions and more.
Smit
who is undertaking flight training is also the Marketing Manager at the King
Shaka Aviation Centre (KSAC) has still maintained her passion to help those in
need and therefore, being based at Virginia Airport, has joined forces between
her NPO organisation and the voluntary emergency search and rescue service,
Rescuetech.
The
vision of Rescuetech is to provide a voluntary, emergency rescue support
service, additional to all existing ambulance, rescue, and safety services.
Rescuetech is committed to both human and animal rescues. Since response‐time
in emergencies is critical and high angle rescue services scarce, its mission
is to react in the shortest possible time, to either conduct the rescue/medivac
and or to assist in the rescue/medivac, and to help stabilise victims of
medical and trauma emergencies.
They
specialise in high angle rope rescues and works in conjunction with the SAPS,
the SAAF and other emergency services. They operate to the highest technical
standards according to their own detailed SOP and conduct regular training
practices. Due to the nature of the various activities, the unit requires
specialist equipment designed and manufactured to the highest standards. A
great deal of the operating cost goes toward the maintenance and resupply of
this equipment. At present although they receive some sponsorship there is
still a financial shortfall which Rescuetech members are supporting from their
own pockets.
To
support these two well deserving NPO organisations, get dressed up in your
elegant finery and purchase your ticket for just R400 per person at a table of
ten and enjoy this unique fine dining experience in Hanger 8 at Virginia Airport.
The
evening, which starts at 6pm for 6.30pm will have South African singer and
songwriter, Dennis East, provide the entertainment, and you will have the
opportunity to mingle with local movers and shakers with television and sporting
personalities in attendance. The highlight of the evening will be an auction
featuring items ranging from jewellery to art and will culminate in the racing
career of a horse which is up for grabs.
Show
some “horse power” with your generosity for these two volunteer organisations
and be a part of giving back to those who volunteer by lending their helping
hand to our loved ones. Call Ricky Smit now on 083 231 6458 or
email
her at rickysmit@mweb.co.za.
For
more info go to www.rescuetech.co.za
