Red Cross fetes Hanover Infirmary residents
Published:Sunday | December 11, 2016 | 12:00 AMBryan Miller
WESTERN BUREAU:
The 52 residents, 31 men and 21 women, of the Hanover Infirmary were last Saturday feted by volunteers of the Jamaica Red Cross.
The volunteers, drawn from across the island and led by the Hanover group, worshipped with residents, provided manicure and pedicure services, and served meals throughout the day.
Secretary of the Hanover Red Cross, Tausha Clarke told The Gleaner that the visit was part of a national outreach programme, usually carried out during October, which is observed as Red Cross month, but circumstances beyond their control prevented the annual event from happening during that period.
"We are here today to feed the shut-ins, to comb their hair, to do their manicure and pedicure, and just to be with them for the day. We did a devotional exercise earlier this morning where they participated. they prayed, they chose songs and they came up and rendered items. so far, we are having a wonderful day," Clarke said.
She pointed out that there are approximately 33 volunteers registered with the Hanover Red Cross, adding that the movement is in search of more volunteers from within the parish.
"As you know, Red Cross is a voluntary organisation, and we are always trying to strive to help persons who are in need; and so we are trying to have the parish of Hanover more vibrant in volunteer service for next year," she advised.
She explained that although the movement does not have an official office within the parish, it holds regular monthly meetings at the Salvation Army, Arthur Wint Basic School in Lucea, Hanover, every last Thursday of each month.
Meanwhile, matron at the Hanover Infirmary, Hyacinth Hylton, expressed gratitude for the visit, adding that both workers and residents were happy about the initiative.
"I am so happy to have them (the Red Cross volunteers) here today, and I can tell you our residents are happy and grateful. They (the residents) are getting so much attention, so we are blessed to have the Red Cross here; and we just want to say thanks to them for coming," she stated.