Today is World Red Cross Red Crescent Day. It is a day of great significance for those involved in Red Cross because its Swiss founder Henri Durant was born. As part of its celebration, the T&T Red Cross Society, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, held its annual youth chain gathering for youth links from various primary schools in the Eastern Regional Sports Indoor Complex in Tacarigua yesterday.
After a parade to pay homage to Durant for his achievements, the pupils, who are youth Red Cross volunteers, formed a chain which included Dr Jean Ramjohn-Richards, wife of president George Maxwell Richards. In her address, Dr Ramjohn-Richards a patron of the Red Cross said the linking of the hands was a reminder there was unity in strength. She said: "We link hands today as a reminder that there is strength in unity, the strength that is necessary to pursue a noble cause such as ours; a cause which centres on the upliftment of humanity through voluntary service in our several communities."
She said service should not always bear a price tag. "As we celebrate this year, we recall it was way back in the 1940's that our primary youth arm was started in a Methodist primary school in San Fernando," she told the gathering. There is approximately 5,000 youth link members she said, which included Red Cross cadets and pupils. Ramjohn-Richards said there was need to broaden representation in schools across the country and hoped it happened in the near future.
About T&T Red Cross Society
The T&T Red Cross Society is a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. It is an auxiliary in the humanitarian field to the Government and was established as an Act of Parliament in 1963. There are 186 national societies worldwide. To observe World Red Cross Red Crescent Day, you can volunteer your time with the T&T Red Cross to restore society, donate money or host a fund-raiser for the International Disaster Relief Fund or ensure you take the necessary steps to prepare for future disasters.