The local Red Cross made their presence felt as they celebrated a week of activities to commemorate Red Cross Week, beginning with a church service and then a good representation at the Labour Day Parade.
International Red Cross Week officially begins on May 8, the birthday of the founder, but the observance began one week early since the event coincides with Nursing Week.
The Red jerseys of the Red Cross members could be spotted all over the island as they carried out their activities which included putting their recently acquired knowledge on hand, arm and feet massages into practise by massaging some of the sick and shut ins; presentations of tokens of thanks to former members of the Red Cross who had dutifully and faithfully served the Red Cross in the past; a fund raising Wear Red Day; a donation of books to the Look Out Primary School and a donation collection drive.
The normal routine of the Red Cross’ health and social care team includes regular visits to the elderly, sick and shut in and as part of their week of activities. A number of these persons were visited and treated to massages.
Red Cross Disaster Risk Management coordinator Bettrice Jones explained that these massages are a method of smoothing, relaxing and de-stressing the individual, which she said sometimes opens conversations. The persons who received massages were mainly person who are not covered under government systems who were most of need.
Other teams of the Red Cross gave their former members their ‘flowers while they are alive’, along with certificates of appreciation as tokens to mark their past efforts. On receiving her token of recognition, one such former Red Cross member, Mary Cooper of St. Johns said, “I appreciate the recognition and this token of you all giving me my flowers while I am alive. I served Red Cross for 11 years and it was my pleasure. Even now I will still do everything I can to serve the Red Cross and anyone in need.”
Former members expressed pleasant surprise by the token of recognition. “Thank you very much, it’s good when you are being recognized for work that you have done, not that I was ever looking forward to it, so thank you very much,” Valerie Lynch said, while her husband Joseph Lynch who was also recognized added, “I hope that I was able to make some kind of contribution during my time as a Red Cross volunteer.” 
Like many other volunteer organizations, one of the challenges the Red Cross faces is attracting the youth to join the team and volunteer. Bettrice Jones said there is a youth arm of the Red Cross but she would like to see more young persons join the organization. With this in mind, the Red Cross plans to in-cooperate more activities that attract youth as part of their recruitment drive. Many of the Red Cross members have full time jobs, but still make the time to assist others. Asked what makes the sacrifice of their time worthwhile to members agreed that knowing they have done something to help someone else in need is worth the sacrifice.
Red Cross volunteer Nurse Joan Harley told TMR, “Caring is something that I have loved from a tender age and I have been in the nursing profession now for over thirty years, and I am still going. I chose to be in the Red Cross because I love caring for others.”
Another long serving member of the Red Cross explained that she initially joined the Red Cross in 1997 as a paying member, but became a full fledged member after seeing the first aid volunteers on the streets aiding members of the public.
The local Red Cross thanks the public for their continued support and urges more persons to do their part and become Red Cross volunteers.
