ST FRANCIS BAY – Last year, the St Francis Bay community lost one of its most passionate and dedicated residents, Tom Roux.
Roux was not only known for his unwavering commitment to the Rotary Club of St Francis but also for his incredible tours around Sea Vista and St Francis Bay, showcasing the impactful work Rotary was doing in these communities.
His tours were more than just informational; according to a statement from the Rotary Club of St Francis, they were a testament to the power of service and the difference that Rotary members make in the lives of so many.
One such tour, which included Rotarians Lesley de Jager (now President-Elect) and Gail Petrie, ended at the St Francis Bay Fire Station. As they stood there, the heavens opened, and a heavy downpour began. Waiting inside for the storm to pass, they took note of the conditions of the station.
What they saw was a stark reminder of the tough reality faced by those who protect our community.
The roof was leaking badly, the kitchen was unusable, the couches were in such poor condition that they couldn’t even be sat on, and the toilets were in disrepair. Even more concerning was the fact that the sleeping areas for both men and women were crammed into one room. These were the brave men and women who fought the notorious fires that have plagued St Francis Bay for years. They worked tirelessly on 24-hour shifts, putting their lives on the line to keep us all safe.
Yet, their own station, where they rested, ate, and prepared for their next mission, was in desperate need of attention.
Seeing this firsthand, a proposal was made to address these pressing issues, and the Rotary Steering Committee quickly approved it.
According to a statement from the Rotary Club of St Francis, a few months later, Billy’s Beach, a local business with a heart for community, stepped up. They allocated a portion of the funds raised from their annual “Ballies Party” to help revamp the St Francis Bay Fire Station, contributing a generous R360 000 – the largest allocation from their annual donation to the Rotary Club of St Francis.
With plans in place and the legal groundwork recently completed, a year after Roux’s passing marks the beginning of a much-needed renovation project. The first phase will see the roof being replaced, with the project set to be completed in the coming months.
Phase 2 will focus on the revamping of the kitchen, the creation of a recreational room, the establishment of separate sleeping areas for men and women, and the improvement of bathroom facilities and a gym area. This comprehensive upgrade will ensure that our firefighters have the facilities they deserve, a proper place to rest, recover, and continue the vital work they do.
The Rotary Club of St Francis is proud to continue the legacy of Roux. A week before his passing, Roux made a heartfelt request to fellow Rotarian Jef Forrer: “If anything happens to me, please make sure the Fire Station work continues.”
Thanks to his vision and the dedication of so many, that promise is being fulfilled. This is more than just a building project; it’s a tribute to the selflessness and bravery of our firefighters, and a reminder that when a community comes together, there is no limit to what can be achieved.
