SVG Red Cross preparing to mark World Red Cross Day

The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross (SVGRC) Society will join the rest of the world in observing International Red Cross Day on 8th May, 2022. In a release the SVGRC said it will be engaged in week-long activities starting on May 8, and is inviting the public to not only be involved in the activities but to also be a part of the local Red Cross Society.

May 8 is significant to the Red Cross movement as it is the birthday of its founder, Henri Dunant a Swiss national who was born on May 8, 1828.
Henri Dunant was a humanitarian trail blazer who, because of his dedicated service to mankind and his passionate advocacy for humanitarian work became the first Nobel Peace Prize recipient.

Today the Red Cross is the largest volunteer – based humanitarian network, reaching over one hundred and fifty million (150 M) people each year through its one hundred and ninety-two (192) national societies. It has a membership of over ninety-seven million (97M) inclusive of volunteers, members, and staff.

As St. Vincent and the Grenadines Red Cross celebrates International Red Cross Day we do so under a shared international theme #BeHumanKIND. BeHumanKIND ask us to be humans in every sense of the word as we give service to humankind. In the song of Glen Campbell:

‘If you see your brother standing by the road, With a heavy load’……

The SVGRC is encouraged to continue their service to humankind.

The organisation acts before, during and after disaster and health emergencies to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people regardless of nationality, race, religious beliefs, class, or political affiliation. We do so, being guided by the seven (7) fundamental principles: Humanity, Impartiality, Independence, Neutrality, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality.

Today the SVGRC society reflects on the many positive responses it made to the myriad of national challenges we faced over the last year.

As an auxiliary organisation to the government, a member of the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) and partners to many local, regional, and international organisations the SVGRC society continues to mitigate against the negative impacts of Dengue, COVID-19 the volcanic eruption, Hurricane Elsa, and climate change.

Besides supplying the basic needs of our vulnerable population, the society also assisted with housing, shelter management, psychosocial support, transportation, cleaning and hygiene supplies, development of child friendly spaces and the restoration of livelihoods.

Through its Community Resilience Building Project (CRB), the organisation formed Community Disaster Resilience Teams (CDRT) to build these communities’ capacity to respond promptly to emergencies. New methods of farming were also introduced in two schools.

This activity was specially geared to encourage students and their teachers to practice a more climate smart agriculture and build food security.

In keeping with the internationally observed theme #BeHumanKIND, the SVGRC will be celebrating a week of activities from Sunday May 8-14. All Red Cross Community groups will support the work of the national society by showing acts of kindness to the socially challenged members in their various communities.

The SVGRC invites you the public to support its members and volunteers in their service to humankind. You can help by becoming a member or a volunteer. You can also give of your time and resources to assist in alleviating human suffering in our beautiful isle. Show a little kindness and make this world a better place for you and me.

The SVGRC would like to thank all its partners, volunteers, members, and staff for their sterling contributions. Without your work the red Cross would not have been as impactful as it was. Thank you for assisting to serve humankind.

#BeHumanKIND.