Rescue Ranger

Delivering hope, One ride at a time

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By Zenakhe Gxashe–January 22, 2026
 

The Go! community has rallied behind Raymond Calder, the elderly pool cleaner who walks kilometres around East London daily carrying heavy equipment on his back.

Currently, good Samaritans have managed to raise R14,600 toward a R25,000 motorcycle that will help him get around and continue earning an honest living.

With R10,400 still outstanding, the fundraising drive has since gained momentum after the 70-year-old’s story of perseverance struck a chord with our readers across the city — igniting a wave of compassion from ordinary residents, businesses, and motorcycling groups who are determined to help him regain mobility and dignity.

The fundraising initiative was spearheaded by Alton Beckmann. He said that Calder’s situation demanded urgent community intervention.

 

“This is not someone asking for a hand-out,” Beckmann said.

“This is a man who wakes up before sunrise, walks long distances in extreme heat, and works until his body can no longer cope, all just to survive.

“When we saw that his motorcycle could no longer be repaired, we knew we had to step in.”

Beckmann confirmed that the Adventure Off-Road Motorcycle Group founded by Martin Harmse, had made donations toward the rebuild, while the public had been encouraged to contribute through Rescue Ranger Motorcycles, using the reference ‘Pool Guy’.

“The aim is simple, to get Ray back on a motorcycle, so he can work safely and with dignity. Every rand brings us closer,” he said.

Rescue Ranger Motorcycles director Eugene Knoetze said the organisation had supported Calder for years, assisting with parts, repairs, and maintenance on his previous motorcycle and sidecar.

“Ray received one of our sidecars from one of our customers years ago, and we have been helping him ever since,” Knoetze said.

“Unfortunately, the motorcycle itself reached a point where it could no longer be repaired and had to be replaced.”

Knoetze confirmed that Rescue Ranger is currently rebuilding the sidecar and supplying a new motorcycle, with work already underway.

“What amazes us is Ray’s perseverance. Even without transport, we’ve seen him walking on the road, pushing on despite everything.

“He chooses honest work over giving up or depending on others.”

He said Rescue Ranger’s work is rooted in community upliftment.

“We believe it’s important to assist people who are trying to uplift themselves. Perseverance and persistence matter, and there are people willing to help. Our slogan says it all: delivering hope. one ride at a time.”

While the motorcycle fundraising continues, Kerry Bauer has already made a meaningful difference by donating a golf cart trolley to help Calder transport his tools and chemicals.

“I had originally built the trolley for an elderly woman who feeds birds, but she didn’t want it,” Bauer said.

“I kept it, knowing I would find the right person.”

That person turned out to be Calder.

“When I saw his story, it was impossible not to help.

“Walking in relentless summer heat, while carrying pool chemicals is brutal.

“This trolley doesn’t remove the walking, but I hope it makes his daily grind easier,” Bauer said.

Calder’s determination and pride deeply resonated with her.

“When you see someone working hard with that level of strength and dignity, and you’re able to help, you should.”

Martin Harmse, founder of the Adventure Off-Road Motorcycle Group WhatsApp chat, which consists of 110 members, has been instrumental in organising the motorcycle donations.

“The aim of the group is to appreciate the adventure of motorcycling, to create community, and to assist where we can.”

Harmse said he loved seeing Calder in town riding his old motorcycle for many years.

“It is always so encouraging to contribute and think outside the box. Even in tough times, he still has the motivation to work.”

He said the group was keeping in close contact with Rescue Ranger to track deposits and progress on the motorcycle.

“I hope this helps Raymond carry on with his business and continue providing for himself.

“Anyone can join our group and be part of community initiatives like this, just contact 082-441-3137.”

Speaking to the Go!, an emotional Calder expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has stepped forward to assist him.

“I never expected this,” Calder said.

“I am truly grateful to everyone who has helped, the people who donated, those who shared my story, and those still trying to assist. I just want to work and look after myself.

“This help gives me hope and it shows me I’m not alone,” Calder said.

How to help

Donations toward Calder’s new motorcycle can be made to:

Rescue Ranger Motorcycles

FNB Gold Business Account

Account number: 631 491 571 32

Branch: Vincent Park

Reference: ‘Pool Guy’

With the finish line in sight, organisers and the Go! hope the remaining R10,400 will soon be raised, proving that when a community comes together, dignity, hope and humanity can still triumph.

By Zenakhe Gxashe–February 5, 2026
 
 

There were few dry eyes when Raymond Calder finally climbed onto his new motorcycle, a moment many readers had been waiting for since Go! first shared his story.

Calder, 72, one of East London’s favourite pool cleaners, was officially handed a motorcycle valued at R25k on Tuesday, marking a powerful turnaround after months of hardship.

Calder’s life had been thrown off course when he lost his only means of transport — a devastating blow to both his livelihood and his health.

Known affectionately as one of the city’s most reliable pool cleaners, he became a familiar sight walking long distances across East London, criss-crossing suburbs with heavy equipment in tow, determined not to abandon the loyal clients who depend on him.

 

“I was very impressed when I first saw it. It’s beautiful,” Calder said softly, visibly moved during the handover at Port Rex High School. “I feel very overwhelmed and blessed.”

His quiet perseverance struck a chord with Go! readers, sparking an outpouring of support that quickly turned into a fundraising effort to put him back on the road.

What followed was a collective act of kindness.

For months, Calder walked between areas such as Vincent and Beacon Bay, often under the strain of his age and the physical demands of the job.

Yet he refused to give up. “My customers are really important to me. That is why I kept walking,” he said.

The donations  contributed by members of the public, motorcycle enthusiasts and coordinated through Rescue Ranger, turned a difficult chapter into something deeply meaningful.

“For me, this changes everything,” Calder said. I’ll be able to ride to my clients, fast and effective.”

Asked what the toughest part of the past months had been, he answered without hesitation: “Walking long distances. It was a big wake-up call.”

Still, he never imagined the scale of support that would follow.

“No, I wasn’t expecting this. I appreciate every single person who took their time to help me.

“The community has impressed me so much with love and kindness.”

Eugene Knoetze, of Rescue Ranger, who played a key role in making the project possible, said the handover was deeply humbling.

“It’s absolutely meaningful to help an old man who is trying his best to make a living and not just rely on handouts.

“We’ve helped Ray for many years, but we could never assist him at this level before. The support has been overwhelming.”

Knoetze said the motorcycle and sidecar required careful, hands-on preparation.

“It was brand new. We unboxed it, assembled it, removed the front suspension and fitted our custom-made leading suspension.

“Our sister company Fabkomp manufactured the steelwork and frame, and everything was completed at the Rescue Ranger workshop.”

The bike was then painted, tested, and fitted with a lighting system.

“It’s quite an involved process, but we have a very competent team,” Knoetze said.

Importantly, any remaining funds raised will be used for ongoing servicing and maintenance, ensuring Calder can continue working without additional financial strain.

Knoetze said should future repairs be needed, these will be carried out at Port Rex Technical School, extending the spirit of community support well beyond the handover.

“With this project, we’ve got Ray mobile and back on his feet. His client base can grow, and it’s going to help him a lot going forward.

“This is what we mean by delivering hope, one ride at a time.”

Fundraising initiator and Port Rex teacher Alton Beckmann, who helped initiate the fundraising drive, said the initiative showed “that when a seed is planted, something good can grow”.

“Raymond isn’t just a 72-year-old man — he’s an active gentleman who still wants to earn his living.”

He said it highlighted the power of collective compassion.

“If you are able to help people around you, please do so. Even R50 can help the bigger picture and someone who is really in need.”

As Calder prepares to ride again, the moment is about more than transport. It is about dignity, respect and community camaraderie.

For a man who never stopped showing up, the road has finally met him halfway — thanks to Go! readers who chose to care.

 
Raymond Calder sits on his new motorcycle alongside representatives from Rescue Ranger and Fabkomp, including Eugene Knoetze, Riaan Swanepoel, Shaun Block, Hayden McLaren, Sonwabile Tshatshu, Duppie Jeackocks, Rodney Booysen, Brinley Jeacocks, Spamandla Mbono and Shaun Block during the official handover at Port Rex High School. Picture: ZENAKHE GXASHE

Mission Statement

Delivering hope, One ride at a time

DELIVERING HOPE, ONE RIDE AT A TIME has become a vital mission statement that our team is committed to. Even though we are not with the end user, we carry the comfort that we are able to provide products that will make a lifesaving difference in people’s lives that need it the most.

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