The Off-Road Rescue Unit (ORRU) unsung heroes who for the past 30 years have rushed off to disaster scenes in the country and beyond its borders around the globe are on a new mission - as the Corona Virus Pandemic cripples South Africa, ORRU is providing logistical support to various organisations across the country,” says Ivor Rimmer, ORRU’s National Coordinator.

On Saturday 04 April, ORRU supported the #COVID19FACESHIELDS in collecting over 4000 printed face shields from 295 collection points across the province of Gauteng. ORRU deployed 28 vehicles which travelled a total of 3552 km in executing the collection. “These Face Shields will provide much needed protection to the front-line health care workers who we commend on their efforts and plead for everyone to stay home and stay safe. So others may live…”explains Rimmer.

The ORRU would normally be gearing up to support joberg2c at this time of year as they have done for the past nine years by sending 18 4 x 4 vehicles to look after riders on the 900km 9-day ride across South Africa.

joberg2c Race Director Craig Wapnick explains; “On joberg2c like many other events they work on, ORRU are first responders in areas where few can get to, they help us with road crossings, they have a world class communication set-up and they have become an integral part of joberg2c. As our extended family – they know our event and route backwards.”

But now instead of rescuing cyclists, this bunch of incredible folk are delivering masks to those at risk and in need, while on full standby for any emergency developments - from weather related calamities to issues related to the national State of Emergency in South Africa.  

In support of ORRU and their mission Galileo Risk and Infiniti Insurance in partnership with joberg2c have made a donation of funds in solidarity to help enable ORRU’s work during this testing time,” according to Wapnick.

Sharon Paterson, Chief Executive Officer of Infiniti Insurance, who sponsor the ORRU organisation together with Galileo Risk insurance brokers says that their sponsorship originally covered ORRU’s support of joberg2c and now also provides direct support for the government-sanctioned response unit specialising in search and rescue.

“They are a group of volunteers who provide their own equipment, are highly trained and go out rescuing at a moment’s notice despite having full time jobs and their role is fully aligned with risk management – which is the right place for an insurance company to be,” she says.

“These people give so generously of their time and money to selflessly help others and we felt that we could make a contribution towards their training and operating costs during this difficult time,” says Paterson.

The 2021 Galileo and Infiniti sponsorship of ORRU services for the 2021 event was also confirmed - as participants set out to ride the beloved country in joberg2c.”

“We hope to encourage other companies and corporations to treat their sponsorships and contributions to front-line services such as ORRU as essential, at a time when their ability to raise funds is severely compromised,” Paterson concludes.