A huge heartfelt and genuine ... THANK YOU

Farmer from De Vlugt:

I am a farmer on a farm in the De Vlugt area east of George. The past week has been very stressful and worrying for all in this area, as have previous years when we experienced bad fires as well.

Although money contributions always help and are deserved, I personally also feel that expression of gratitude and appreciation are sometimes in short supply.

We never get the opportunity to meet or even see some of the brave individuals who we know risk life and limb doing their calling .... all we see are the big red fire engines and the helicopters and planes heading toward the flames.

We stand back in awe of what we witness and feel suddenly that, ‘Everything will be okay now... they have arrived.’ That sudden feeling of security is not born from complacency and ignorance, but from reassurance and confidence in the firefighters.

We are fully aware that they know what they are doing, and we know the risks they take.

So .... don’t for a minute think that we take our firefighters, emergency personnel and all other first responders for granted. We are grateful to you for saving our families and the material things that are the fruits of a lifetime of labour.

I also feel that the people who, during these fires, have regularly put our minds at ease and kept us up to date with what was happening and the status quo by sending out media updates also deserve a big thank you.. there is no bigger worry than not knowing what is happening around you in this situation.

On behalf of everyone who has been on the receiving end of anyone in these groups of people. And to their families who have to sit at home waiting and hoping that their loved ones get home safe and sound... I would like to say a big heartfelt and genuine ... THANK YOU

You are all heroes!