SVG Redcross celebrates International Red Cross Day

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross Society joined the international Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement around the world in celebrating international Red Cross Day on May 8.{{more}}

Members of the local Red Cross marked the occasion by wearing their uniforms to the various churches they attended. This was preceded by a youth recognition ceremony held at the Red Cross Headquarters on Friday, May 6. The Society will pay visits to some of its senior members who are no longer active as well as install a new Management team during the course of the month. Over the last year, the Local Red Cross has established several new youth groups as it continues to meet the needs of Vincentians in many ways. The work of our volunteers in Hurricane Tomas and the April 12, 2011, floods are recent examples.

A joint statement by the presidents of the IFRC, and ICRC to mark World Red Cross Red Crescent Day on May 8, 2011, carries the theme “Volunteering: the spirit of humanitarian action”. The statement goes on to note “It’s worth pointing out that volunteers are often themselves the victims of the very same crises they are responding to. The courage and sense of solidarity it takes to put one’s own suffering aside and take action to help others is quite simply remarkable. Time and again, it’s the volunteers who roll up their sleeves, wrap a reassuring arm over the shoulder of a distressed neighbour and put their hearts into making things better.”