A lack of support this year has prompted the Cayman Islands Red Cross to ask for more help to raise money for its various programs.
“While usually very well supported, the response thus far has been worrying as we have been unable to secure the level of commitment which we normally would have by this time,” Red Cross deputy director Carolina Ferreira said.
Jondo Obi, director of the Red Cross, said the organization’s work is “only possible with the support of local businesses and individual donors.”
“We are very fortunate to have been able to support the needs of our community for more than 50 years. We now need our local community to pull together so we can continue offering aid and services to those who desperately need it,” she added.
The organization relies on two major fundraising events to help pay for its community aid programs. The Red Cross Dinner Dance, traditionally held every year in June, is now slated for Sept. 27 at the Westin resort, followed by its annual RBC/CIRC Charitable Golf Tournament on Oct. 3 at the North Sound Golf Club.
“Funds that are raised from these two events are essentially what keep the organization afloat and able to provide the support that is needed to the most vulnerable within our community,” said Ms. Ferreira.
The charity also depends on donations, often from local corporations, to provide funding for its community aid programs, which are centered on disaster management, first aid, and HIV and AIDS.
“September 2014 marks the 10th anniversary of the passing of Hurricane Ivan, and the CIRC is appealing to the corporate sector to recommit its support to the organization as we continue to build resilience within our country, one vulnerable community at a time,” said Ms. Ferreira.
So far this year, the nonprofit has provided training for community disaster response teams; launched “Protection Starts Here,” a child sexual abuse awareness and prevention program; introduced a junior lifeguard training program; and offered first aid training.
Ms. Ferreira said each individual program has its own costs, some of these include: training for volunteers and community members; the maintenance costs for the shelter and for the vehicles and equipment for emergency response and community activities; and various pieces of equipment, such as first-aid training kits and disaster supplies.
“We can’t do it without help, and we need help,” Ms. Ferreira said.
For more information on the Cayman Islands Red Cross, visit www.redcross.org.ky.
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