Cayman Islands: dedicated volunteers, hurricane rescue and your chance to help
From redcross.org.uk
As Hurricane Ivan ripped its way across the Cayman Islands in 2004, Red Cross volunteer Desrene Denne could hear the people crying for help. At the height of the storm, the roof of the Bodden Town Civic Centre where Desrene was stationed gave out – peeling back like a can of sardines.
Carolina Ferreira, deputy director of the Cayman Islands Red Cross, recalls: “The Red Cross shelter manager at the Civic Centre was calling out on the radio: ‘We need help! Oh my God! The roof is going, it won’t hold up.’”
The situation looked hopeless
There was no way for emergency vehicles to be sent to the Civic Centre – where people were sheltering – because much of the island was already underwater and the winds were much too strong. The situation looked hopeless, until a group of concerned citizens staying in a nearby primary school brought one of the school buses, some rope and other supplies to the centre.
Then, the citizens, Desrene and the rest of the shelter management team worked together to evacuate all the people in the shelter, including a number of young children and elderly people. Desrene recalls: “I was afraid too, but I couldn’t let those people see that. It was only after we had got them all to safety that I allowed myself to cry.”
Essential help during hurricane season
Desrene is one of the 30 highly-trained volunteers who make up the Red Cross’ shelter management team on the Cayman Islands. The team plays an essential role, particularly during the annual hurricane season.
A volunteer for nine years, Desrene has been trained in first aid and CPR. Although she has a full-time job as a domestic helper, she spends her day off volunteering in the Red Cross thrift store. Desrene originally comes from a very poor family in Jamaica, so she knows how far a little help can go. She says: “You may not get paid, but the smiles and the thanks you get from the people you can help – that completes you.”
The Cayman Islands Red Cross is an Overseas Branch of the British Red Cross. Its volunteers help people prepare for disasters and respond when they happen. They also provide other services, including first aid courses and HIV education.
Today (18 April), follow the Cayman Islands Red Cross on Facebook or Twitter and mention @charitydriveky to help it raise $15,000 towards its life-saving work.
For more on this story go to:
