Red Cross appeals for help

In the wake of hurricane Keith, the Belize Red Cross Society is the leading NGO poised to assist people with rebuilding their lives. Vice-president Delsyia Goff says they have gotten tremendous assistance from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the American Red Cross. A number of local contributions have also been made in the form of money, food, clothing, medicine and materials. However, a great need still exists.

Delsyia Goff, Vice-President, Belize Red Cross

“At the moment we are running out of clothing because of the amount of rain damage to the homes. People are really desperate for clothing, especially in the area of children clothing. That is the area in which we are really trying to appeal to the public right now. If they have clothing available especially children’s, could they kindly take it to the Salvation Army. We have agreed that they will issue clothing and we will deal with canned food and other areas of assistance.

Ann Marie Williams

“If members of the public would like to contribute anything other than clothing, how can they do and where can they go?”

Delsyia Goff

“We have established a bank account at Belize Bank, Bank of Nova Scotia and also Barclay’s. The account is strictly under Hurricane Keith relief. The numbers are there at the bank, but let’s not be concerned with numbers as long as the donation is sent to the Belize Red Cross Hurricane Keith relief fund at these banks.

Goff is also appealing to the owners of supermarkets to donate powdered milk and baby food by contacting the Belize Red Cross Society on Gabourel Lane, right here in Belize City. And speaking of donations, word just out of a meeting of NEMO is that the comptroller of customs has been given instructions that all shipments of emergency supplies to Belizean families will be exempted from payment of duty and sales tax.