Ragers flip-out for pancakes

The volunteer organisation dedicated to helping matrics get home safe, known as the Red Frogs, were well received in Ballito this year.
“The matrics have definitely been way more responsive,” said Dani Upneck, a Ballito girl who volunteered as a Red Frog for the second time this year.

The Courier joined Dani and a team of Frogs on a “pan-date” on Thursday last week, where the team brought pans and pancake mix to cook at the home of a few lucky matrics after a big night out.

Other pan-dates were happening simultaneously all over Ballito, with nine teams of Red Frogs spending the day flipping pancakes and socialising with matrics.
“We met one of the Frogs last night and she booked us for pancakes,” said matric rager Mischa Boldenberg,  “And it is free,” he added.
According to Red Frog zone leader, Dan van Zuiydam, the teams went through 50 bags of pancake mix in two days, while the famous Red Frog sweets disappeared at a rate of three kilograms a night, per team.
By night, the teams were at the events, as a positive presence always willing to help out, with their mobile pancake trailer in tow.
“Everyone has their own reasons for doing it,” said Upneck after being asked why she’d volunteered.
“For me, it is about being the change I want to see in the world.”
Upneck emphasised how supportive the Ballito community had been in helping the Red Frogs “safe guard a generation”.
“Families cook meals for us, the BP gives us petrol and Toyota at Lifestyle gives us cars to use. The support is really amazing,” she said.

The North Coast Courier contributed to Rage 2013 by sponsoring Dani’s week as a Red Frog volunteer.