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A new trust fund has been launched to mobilise the potential of technology and the country’s best minds to address crime. The Garmin Safety and Security Trust Fund is aimed at providing expertise, tools and strategies to communities in order to give South Africans a level of control and active participation in dealing with their own safety and security, explains Garmin CEO Richard Fearon. Fearon announced the Trust Fund at the official handover of 734 GPS units to the SAPS following an on-air Talk Radio 702 campaign. The Trust Fund will bring together a ‘brains-trust’ which will be responsible for developing strategies that will empower communities in the fight against crime. The trust will also manage the deployment of technology in making a positive impact on crime fighting strategies where other resources may be scarce.
“People know what to do when it comes to addressing the power crisis,” says Fearon. “We switch off our geysers, we switch off lights. But when it comes to crime we are not sure what to do or how to do it, as communities or as and individuals.” The Trust Fund will ultimately give South Africans practical ways in which to manage their own safety. Speaking at the handover, Fearon urged the 200 strong crowd to realise the potential we have as communities in managing crime. “I don’t want to leave [South Africa], I want to fix, I want to make it safe for my kids, and for your kids.” “I really believe that we can do this! We can do this!” he added. Conceptualised by Fearon at 04:00am last Friday, the Garmin Safety and Security Trust Fund is barely four days old and yet has already secured funding to the value of R500 000. “I made a few calls, explained what needed to be done and found that others felt the same way,” said Fearon. The Trust Fund has benefited from Garmin’s founding pledge as well as pledges from Bradian Logistics, CourierITand Makro. Fearon is quick to clarify that the Trust Fund is not a charity. “This is by no means a charity. It has to be run on business principles. We will seek the best minds to be our trustees. But of course there must be money for this to happen.” Fearon believes that there is room for all South Africans to participate in the Fund. “Crime is a matter of national importance and therefore national participation is required to make this work.” The Trust Fund will offer opportunities for engagement for those who wish to make donations, share ideas or give their time. For more information contact Richard Fearon at:
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Source: South Africa: The Good News |
