PROOF that golf competitions are a great way to raise funds for worthy causes was more than confirmed by the huge cheque handover made this week to the NSRI by Island View Shipping (IVS).
IVS, a division of Grindrod Shipping, hosted their 9th annual NSRI Station 19 benefit golf day at the Richards Bay Country Club on 14 August and after the sums had been done they were thrilled to announce that a record sum of R70 204 was raised – and doubled!
‘The success of the event itself can only be attributed to the unprecedented generosity of our sponsors and the spirit of camaraderie which prevailed on the course on the day,’ said local representative for IVS, Roelof Camminga.
‘Every single contribution, be it financial or in the form of prizes, is highly appreciated and all our sponsors will be individually thanked.
‘I do believe, however that special mention is due to Glencore, D&A Shipping, Naledi Shipbroking, Penmarine, Avalon and Centrachrome, who between them contributed a fantastic R45 000 was contributed.
‘Beyond all shadow of doubt, however, as a final endorsement to the great service provided by the NSRI to seafarers, the greatest sponsorship came from Mr Martyn Wade, CEO of Grindrod Shipping, when the original amount raised was doubled and a grand total of R140 408 was handed to the Station Commander on Wednesday.’
Speaking on behalf of Sea Rescue, Deputy Station Commander Brynn Gericke thanked IVS and the shipping community profusely for their support towards Station 19’s running costs.
‘Over the past nine years they have raised R656 396.
‘To put that into perspective, our annual fuel allocation is R90 000 per annum and to just replace our 4m with a 4.7m rigid inflatable is R185 000.
‘They are our single biggest sponsorfor the year; it takes a lot of pressure off the crew who can now spend more time maintaining our assets and training when not assisting those in need.’
With the 10th annual IVS golf day ahead, Camminga said the organising committee was already preparing to make this another record-breaking event in 2015.
