2018 marks the 30th anniversary of Saaberie Chisty Ambulance Service (SCA), which has persevered throughout the years to provide the community of Lenasia with emergency services at a minimal cost.
This truly remarkable achievement was celebrated on March 17, at the annual fundraising banquet, which was hosted in the UNISA Hall in Ormonde.
The theme of the evening was 'A Night of Sparkle and Light,' and it was dedicated to all those who had worked tirelessly and selflessly to ensure that Saaberie Chisty Ambulance had grown into the organisation that it is today.
Guests were chauffeur driven from the parking to the entrance in a fleet of luxury cars provided by Shiraz Auto.
A dazzling display at the entrance, decorated with sweet treats and drinks, and an array of delectable meals were prepared to ensure that guests did not go hungry during the evening.
Mo Magic, a well-known master of ceremonies, kept guests entertained throughout the evening, while Muthu Murugan had the audience in stitches with his humour. There were some inspirational insights, as well as a display of classic hip hop by Oscar Von Memety, who despite his challenges, still lives life to the fullest.
Tasneem Docrat, the PRO of the SCA, paid a special tribute to the sponsors of the event – Dawood's, The Ahmed Kathrada Private Hospital and Shiraaz Auto.
SCA has forged close relationships with these sponsors and saluted them for their assistance.
A token of appreciation was also presented to Shaheen Ebrahim, the chairman of the Oasis Group and to Karishma Reddy, from Absa, for their partnership with SCA Ambulance during the past year.
Aboo Bakr Sayed, head of SCA, paid tribute to the late Uncle Isu Laloo Chiba, a supporter of SCA, who passed away late last year. Another loss to the business community of Lenasia was the untimely demise of Mr Shiraz Dawood, a supporter of and donor to SCA for many years. SCA extended its condolences to both the Chiba and Dawood families.
The 30th-year celebration culminated in a cake-cutting ceremony. The founding members of the organisation were present to complete the celebration. The presentation of tokens of appreciation to paramedics was the highlight of the evening.
Each and every guest contributed to the evening by means of their pledges and by participating in the auction.
"SCA would like to thank you for opening your hearts and pockets to support our community ambulance service," said a SCA official.
The evening would not have been complete without lucky draw prizes.
The third prize, sponsored by 79 Travel, was a 16-day trip to Everest Base camp. The second prize included 3-nights' accommodation in Dubai, including a desert safari and dhow cruise, also sponsored by 79 Travel.
The grand prize, sponsored by Qatar Airways, was two tickets to one of over 160 destinations on the Qatar Network. The lucky recipient of the grand prize was Mrs Asma Moolla. SCA wished all the prize winners safe travels.
"A big thank you to 79 Travels and Qatar Airways. The Saaberie Chisty Society would also like to thank the Booysens CPF, Lenasia CPF Patrollers and JMPD. The safety and security at the venue, as well as the safety of all guest returning home, via the notorious N12 Deadman's bend after the event, was ensured by your assistance.
SCA would like to thank all members of the ambulance service, volunteers, organisers, the catering team, the cook, the décor team, the waiters and last, but not least, all the guests who supported the event. We look forward to many more events like these to ensure that we can continue providing this service to our community for years to come," said the SCA official.
Scenes at the Saaberie Chisty ambulance fundraising dinner.