THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS RED CROSS is an overseas branch of the British Red Cross.
The Red Cross Thrift Shop on Provo has extended it's hours. It is now open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1pm to 4pm. Please come in and say Hi to the ladies and maybe buy a little something.
TCI Red Cross would like to take this time to thank all of the dedicated - staff, volunteers and supporters who have helped Red Cross grow to serve the people of the Turks & Caicos Islands.
RED CROSS COOK BOOK - A must have for everyone that likes to cook. A book full of favorite recipes from around the islands. TCI Red Cross Cookbook is $20.
TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS RED CROSS OFFICES :
Providenciales
Office and Thrift Shop.
Located upstairs at Southwinds Plaza (by BERNIES RESTAURANT). Come
see our hugh selection of new and donation items arriving daily.
Thrift Shop Open MONDAY - WEDNESDAY - FRIDAY 1pm - 4pm
Office Open Tues, Wed, Thur 1pm - 4pm
Telephone 649-941-8056.
Grand Turk Office
and Thrift Shop
Located in the courtyard
of the Osprey Beach Hotel, Grand Turk (next to T & C Travel). Donations
of 2nd hand books, good quality used or unused clothing, washed and pressed
etc. may be handed into the office at the following times:
Open Monday 9:30-12:30 pm;
Wednesday & Friday - 10:00 am - 1:00 pm;
Saturday - 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Telephone 649-946-2761 or email tciredcross@tciway.tc.
RED CROSS CORNER:
Red Cross & World Aids Day
the TCI Branch of the British
Red Cross distributed food baskets to many families across the islands
who publicly are living with the HIV/AIDS virus
Food was also presented at the AIDS Hospice on Provo; home to those who do not have family who can help them.
In its continuing effort to help those in need, and to help educate others specifically about AIDS, the Red Cross has initiated several programs with respect to AIDS - a continuing problem here in the islands. Because of the social stigma attached to this infection, many sufferers and their families try to hide the disease from friends and neighbours - the very persons who could help them to cope with HIV/AIDS.
Funding for the World Aids Day Food came from a UNICEF donation to the Red Cross and much of the food was distributed by the Community Fellowship Church.
Provo Red Cross Volunteers Cathy Dudley, Jane Allington, Judy Holeerder and Carol Peters, packed the food. Newly elected Red Cross ranch President Beryl Nelson is with them before he delivered the boxes to distribution points.
Learning CPR - Training Session Completed at Sands
Nine employees of the Sands Resort on Providenciales received their certificates in Basic First Aid.
The Provo Centre of the TCI branch of the British Red Cross offers first
aid courses at many levels. They range from two hour to three day sessions.
If you or your organization would like to take advantage of this potentially
lifesaving training, please call the Red Cross office at 941-8056.
WHAT RED CROSS STANDS FOR:
The
symmetrical Red Cross, stark against a white background, and its counterpart,
the Red Crescent, are perhaps the most recognized symbols in the world.
Ask any school child what it means and you will receive a variety of answers,
all of which really boil down to volunteer help in times of suffering.
But what do you really know about this humanitarian organization? Today, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement forms the largest voluntary organization in the world, with more than 97 million volunteers in 178 countries. Its purpose is basic: to help those who suffer, without discrimination.
(The Turks and Caicos Branch of the British Red Cross Society, was formed in 1961. The British Red Cross was founded in 1870.)
It sounds simple, but the nations of the world form a complex society of diverse races, religions and politics and ideologies. In order to provide aid to all, the Movement is based on seven fundamental principals which guide all Red Cross volunteers, everywhere.
We can thank a Swiss businessmen, Henri Dunant, for germinating the seed which has grown into the respected tree we know as the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. He was appalled by the suffering of thousands of men on both sides of a battle waged in 1859 and proposed the setting up of national societies of volunteers to provide help to relieve suffering in times of war.
A committee was set up in Geneva in 1863, in response to his idea and the founding charter of the Red Cross was adopted.
Dunant's proposal to aid anyone in times of war, has blossomed to encompass the provision of relief for people in need and crisis, from suffering caused by armed conflict, natural disaster or personal emergency, around the world.
Those seven fundamentals I mentioned earlier? They re all found in the above paragraphs but allow me to spell them out in a little greater detail. They are worthy of elaboration, especially in this day and age of conflict and greed.
The first is Humanity - the Red Cross combats human suffering in all its forms and demands humane treatment of all individuals in all circumstances.
The second tenet is Impartiality. By impartial we mean that Red Cross volunteers do not practice any form of discrimination and offer objective assistance in proportion to need.
The third and fourth fundamentals go hand in hand: Neutrality and Independence. Red Cross Societies and their volunteers do not take sides in racial, political, religious or ideological controversies. They care for people of all faiths and of none. And although they may work hand in hand with the government of their countries, the National Societies are completely autonomous and independent of those governments. Of course, they are subject to the laws of their lands.
The remaining three guiding lights of the Red Cross are Universality, Unity and Voluntary Service. They enable the Societies to work effectively all over the world. ItÕs universality extends from the common values held by its members. By recognizing a duty to help one another, they promote friendship and peace internationally. The generous spirit of voluntary service and fellowship within the Movement sets an example of harmony which can help promote healing of the bitterness of conflicts.
Of course, these seven principals, these roots which anchor the tree, can only work if they are understood and respected in practice. And practice makes perfect, as the saying goes.
In upcoming editions of the Red Cross Corner, we'll let you know how and where the branch is practicing these principals, and how you can help, should you be so inclined. Stay tuned. You may be surprised and intrigued.
Kathi Barrington
Red Cross Information Officer, Provo
946-5122
For further information on the British Red Cross go to www.Britishredcross.org.uk
Website maintenance by AdventureScape