| Red Cross response is built upon zealous
volunteers and ardent supporters. The aim is to bring assistance without
discrimination, and to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it
may be found. Whether it involves lending a helping hand through financial
support towards our activities, or being in the field as a volunteer assisting
the most vulnerable, these efforts help to make a difference when Red Cross shows
up to assist a disaster stricken family or community.
Because of the vast geographical distribution of islands in Fiji, the
National Society has a total coverage of over 80% of the
distribution of resources allocated for delivery of its community programmes,
including 22 strategically placed modified shipping containers housing disaster
relief supplies for immediate disaster relief purposes. Each of
these Disaster Preparedness containers store up to FJ$50,000 worth of goods and they are kept and maintained by Branch personnel. In Yasawa and Vunidawa where
Fiji Red Cross Society has yet to establish its
Branches,
the storage facilities are looked after by the concerned District and Provincial
Offices.
All our Branch personnel are trained and frequently reminded of the important
role Red Cross has in times of disaster. We also participate actively in
awareness programmes prompted by the Fiji National Disaster Management Council
to address the vulnerability of the Fiji communities to disasters, such as
Tropical Cyclones and Floods.
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