Local Red Cross honours 18 volunteers at Cocktail Party
By Melissa Bryant
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE St. Kitts Red Cross (SKRC) took a break last evening (Dec. 6) from its mandate of providing disaster victims with humanitarian assistance to honour several of its active volunteers at a cocktail party held at the local Red Cross Headquarters, Horsford’s Road.
The event, which drew Red Cross volunteers from around the island, was hosted in acknowledgment of the organisation’s International Volunteer Day, Friday, December 5.
Celebrations began with a brief ceremony in which Deputy Prime Minister Sam Condor, Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Tourism Lloyd Lazar and several executive members of the SKRC delivered succinct remarks.
Lazar deemed the work of the Red Cross “a significant contribution to society” and that even though there may be persons who take their actions for granted, the volunteers “can rest assured that they are appreciated and respected”.
“Over the years, the actions of the SKRC have truly reflected its seven-founding principles [humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, universality]. Boundaries no do exist within this organisation. These volunteers help wherever such assistance is needed despite personal feelings or conflicting racial, religious or political views, and they give without continually looking back for any sort of reward,” the PS said.
Lazar also noted the SKRC’s ubiquitous presence at sporting events, including interschool track meets, the National Olympic Qualifying Meet and the 2008 CARIFA Games held in St. Kitts. ~~Adz:Right~~
Eighteen volunteers were honoured; 12 of whom were special awardees based on their extended years of service, one from each of St. Kitts’ five districts (Cayon, Verchilds, Sandy Point, St. Paul’s and Basseterre) and Aurelia Heyliger received the Koris Woodley Award. This award is a special honour bestowed upon a young volunteer who has had a great impact on the lives of others.
According to Director of SKRC Dr. Reginald O’Loughlin, the organisation’s volunteers are getting younger and younger, which is a trend that he hopes would continue.
“When young persons are able to grow up with the Red Cross, they become more loyal to the organisation and more experienced in disaster management.
“Being a volunteer is such a rewarding experience because you’re helping others who can’t help themselves. We even have a catchphrase that states ‘The Red Cross helps the needy and not the greedy’,” revealed O’Loughlin.
The myriad of activities undertaken by the SKRC include First Aid classes, Counselling and Career Guidance, Swimming lessons, visiting the homes of shut-ins and blind people, and the provision of food hampers and hot lunches to the needy.
The Red Cross has maintained a presence in St. Kitts since 1942. Interested persons can contact the SKRC’s Secretariat at the Branch Headquarters.
