Plett Rage has, over the years, garnered support and help from several regular, reliable resources who invest their time, love and attention into ensuring that the excitable youngsters who come to the town to let their hair down, can do so in a secure and safe environment. The Red Frogs are one such organisation and as their involvement in Plett Rage enters a 7th year, I spoke to prominent Red Frog associate, Mike Cheney, about the history of the outfit, what they provide by way of a service and how Plettonians can offer their support by donating to, or volunteering for, the cause.
The first thing that I wanted to find out was who are the Red Frogs and how did they come to be such an integral part of our towns community? Mike told me, ‘Red Frogs exist, on a global scale, to safeguard the exuberance that invariably takes place when young people congregate in large numbers at end of school year events, just like Plett Rage.
‘Our first event in SA,’ Mike told me, ‘was supporting matrics that converged on Ballito (KZN) in 2005. It wasn’t long before the relationship between these volunteers and Red Frogs Australia began. In 2009, Red Frogs South Africa officially started operations in Ballito. Since then, the South African Red Frogs Crew can be found supporting our matrics in Ballito, Umhlanga, Plettenberg Bay, Jeffreys Bay, Margate and Lake Kariba.
‘The concept of the Red Frogs, however, started in Australia back in 1997 with youth pastor, Andy Gourley. Andy noticed that at their Aussie version of our rage which is called “schoolies”, there weren’t any designated sober companions who could assist those who were taking their excesses to the extreme. Andy and many of his friends jumped at the chance to help. And so Red Frogs Australia was born.
‘As Red Frogs we recognise that many of the parties that young people are engaging in are fuelled by alcohol but it’ important to note that we are not party poopers or anti-fun. Part of what we do is help young people know how to party safely and to be available when the partying gets a bit out of hand.’
There is so much more, however, to what the Red Frogs bring to an event than just picking up people that may have fallen over. It was interesting to hear Mike refer to the principles and values that make the Red Frogs so popular amongst all concerned parties.
He said, ‘As a result of being practical, available and consistent in serving matrics and university students, we are placed in a position where we’re able to support and offer guidance to them through some of the most challenging times of their lives. We take every opportunity to engage in acts of generosity that foster relationship and display genuine care and concern for the lives of others.
‘We recognise that each young person has an innate need for belonging and relationship. Therefore, it is in our heart to create healthy pathways for young people to have these needs fulfilled. The importance of open communication and collaboration between staff, volunteers and Red Frog networks, including ‘Friends of the Red Frog’ – sponsors and partners – is something we emphasise and act on at every event we are involved with. As a result, we promote and engage in teamwork and relationship building activities that enable these processes to happen.’
Plett Rage 2018 will be the 7th edition of the event that has involved a Red Frog presence, so what can we expect this time around?
‘For the past 6 years, we’ve had teams of Red Frogs out at Plett Rage, handing out bottles of free water, making free pancakes for matrics at their accommodation and acting as a safe support network in and around the various clubs, main stage events and beaches in Plett during Rage. This year we will be doing much the same. Our aim is to have 55 Red Frog volunteers head during the week-long festivities (1st-8th December) and we’ll be geared up and ready to support the new matrics of 2018 as they celebrate the end of their school careers.
‘We have a 24-hour call centre number – 060 733 3764 – that can be used at any time while on Rage. There are many reasons for contacting the call centre including if matrics need some help or they have a friend they’re worried, we’ll send some Red Frogs to their location to see how we can help. We also offer to make free pancakes for the youngsters and will come through to their accommodation to make them as many free pancakes as they’d like. It’s all about interaction and connection and what better way to engage than over a pancake or two!’
How can Plett locals get involved? ‘The best way to support the Red Frogs is through donations. Red Frogs South Africa is a registered NPO and so all donations need to go through the National Office. Those who would like to donate or find out more about how they can support/ volunteer for Red Frogs can email the National Office on info.za@redfrogs.com and we’ll respond swiftly.
‘We also encourage parents and guardians of our visitors to reach out to us as well, so we can allay a few fears and offer some reassurance that the safety of their precious children is being supported and overseen by a dedicated team of hard working and caring individuals.’
So much of the selfless work undertaken by Red Frogs often go unnoticed and unheralded but the work they do to help our young during party time can never be underestimated. Not that they are looking for accolades, the humility and their faith ensure that all the work carried out is for the greater good of our community and our visitors. The Red Frogs truly are one of a kind and any financial or physical contributions that can be made to help them continue their great work are always thoroughly appreciated. Contact them today and play a part in making Plett Rage an event that is remembered for all the right reasons.
For info on all things Plett Rage please contact Daron Smit, Andy Smit or Louise Whitehead at The Worx on 044 533 0816. Alternatively you can send an email to them on daron@the-worx.co.za, andy@the-worx.co.za or louise@the-worx.co.za
