Red Cross donates funds to Central America
The Belize Red Cross has expressed its appreciation to the public for their contributions to our Central American neighbors following Hurricane Mitch. According to the President of the Honduras Red Cross, Belize was the first country to come to their aid, and today funds were distributed to the three countries affected most. News Five was there for the occasion.
This afternoon the Belize Red Cross handed over checks to the President of the Honduran Red Cross and representatives from Guatemala and Nicaragua. The total amount was seventy-eight thousand dollars spread among the three countries with Honduras receiving the lion’s share of forty thousand dollars. News Five asked President Meneca de Mencia about the difficulties the people of Honduras have encountered and the stress it has created.
Meneca de Mencia, President, Honduras Red Cross
“As you have asked the question, this is exactly what they are experiencing. The people have gone through a tremendous shock and they have taken all forces to get things in prospective.
Thank you very much and I stress to the people of Belize we appreciate everything that has been done. Thanks for all the force that was put into it.”
Yolanda Espat, Representative for Guatemala
“It’s really very touching. It makes you feel good. It renews your faith in humanity to see that we have brothers and sisters and in time of necessity how everybody respond to help each other. It really is very touching.”
President of the Belize Red Cross Audrey Courtney says that they were overwhelmed with the supplies of food, clothing and medicine brought in by the Belizean public. She says that all she can say is thank you.
Audrey Courtenay, President, Belize Red Cross
“We wish to express deep appreciation for the confidence and the support that the people of Belize have given, usually year round but more so for this particular hurricane appeal.”
Hyacinth Latchman for News Five.
Marie Christie provided the translation. Eamon Courtenay, First Vice President of the Belize Red Cross says they plan to carry out an educational program to help Belizeans become better prepared in the event of a hurricane or other disasters.
