Community Notice: Commemorating Red Cross Day - Around the Corner and Across the World

Around the world on May 8th, Red Cross, Red Crescent and Red Crystal Societies are celebrating World Red Cross Day. The day, which marks the birthday of the Movement’s Founder and winner of the first Nobel Peace Prize - Henri Dunant - has been observed annually throughout the world since 1948. There are almost 97 million members and also many Volunteers which are of the Red Crescent as well as Red Cross. They are honored to do every task for the humans for providing them relief to the Worldwide which consists of the 170 Nations.

Here in Cayman, the month of May is observed as Red Cross Month and the Cayman Islands Red Cross (CIRC) commemorates this feat by enhancing its programme activities throughout our community. The Red Cross programmes are grouped into four main core areas: promoting humanitarian principles and values, disaster response, disaster preparedness, health and care in the community.

This year, due to the COVID 19 pandemic, we dedicate this day to the hundreds of Cayman Island Red cross volunteers who are assisting the community in its time of need. Over 300 volunteers joined the COVID 19 National Volunteer Response formed by the Cayman Island Red Cross, in aims of assisting the different government agencies and other service organizations. Our volunteers are currently deployed at the HSA, government isolation facilities and the Travel Hotline. The Cayman Island Red Cross has also manufactured 4000 face masks to help protect frontline workers, with the help of over a 100 volunteers. The Cayman Island Red Cross shelter has also opened its doors to the Blood Bank, providing it with a comfortable and safe environment for donors.

“Around the world there are over 115 million people who give their time, skills, blood, sweat and tears to help assist the most vulnerable and empower their community”, explains Jondo Obi, CIRC Director. “We are a voluntary service humanitarian organization unlike any other, and everything that we do, here and abroad, is because everyday citizens believe in the power of humanity and act on that belief”, she adds.

The Cayman Islands Red Cross is open to all and always welcomes volunteers. To learn more, email the Volunteer and Resources Manager on vrm@redcross.org.ky.