Red Cross needs community help
Cayman Islands Red Cross headquarters
(CNS Local Life): The Cayman Islands Red Cross (CIRC) has launched the “Shelter from the Storm” fundraising campaign seeking financial support from the community to help reach a goal of $600,000 to modernise the organisation’s headquarters on Huldah Avenue in George Town. CIRC officials said they recognised the “pressing need” to renovate the building, which is more than 30 years old.
Members of the CIRC board and Director Jondo Obi said in a press release that the shelter does not currently meet Cayman Islands building code for accessibility, fire, electrical and plumbing, in addition to decades of daily wear and tear and occasional disaster.
“Our building has served the Cayman community for over 30 years; it stood strong during and after Hurricane Ivan and it continues to be the first shelter to open not only during hurricane season but for any disaster,” Obi said. “It is more than just a building; it is a home for critical services.
“We must ensure that our building is not only safe and up to standard, but also accessible to all vulnerable persons on island. This campaign is critical in helping us reach that goal as we cannot allow for further deterioration. Doing nothing is not an option as the consequences for the Cayman community are far too great.”
The Red Cross said in the press release that the building “is a vital community resource and is in urgent need of modernisation and overall improvements so it can continue to provide as a safe space to the vulnerable population Red Cross serves”.
In addition to being a shelter for emergencies, the building houses the Thrift Shop Community Outreach Programme, which provides items free of cost to vulnerable people referred by partner agencies, including government departments, statutory authorities and other NGOs.
The building is also the main location for other services, including free weekly HIV testing, twice-monthly “Darkness to Light” training sessions, meetings, workshops and educational and informational gatherings.
“Hundreds of people are coming through our doors every week to access goods, services, information and training. There is always something going on at the Red Cross,” said Obi.
“There are several exciting ways in which corporate partners and individuals can help the Cayman Islands Red Cross reach their fundraising goal of $600,000 and support one of the most important humanitarian agencies in the Cayman Islands.”
Planning permission has been granted for the project and, subject to funding, work is ready to commence.
“Every dollar counts; whether you are a corporate partner, a private citizen or a group of friends, your donation can have a profound impact on countless lives in our community,” Obi added.
For more information on the project, go to the Red Cross website
Category: Community, Fundraiser, Service Organisations
I mean, it’s in better condition then the human society. Now that needs funding.
Given the needs of the Red Cross and our current and expected future growth in population- is the current location best or should they be looking to relocate to a more ideal location? So raising the funds are indeed needed but consideration should be given to relocating.