Aruba Red Cross Open Day well attended

Close to 100 people attended the Aruba Red Cross Open Day, on May 8, World Red Cross Red Crescent Day.

Visitors to the open house were able to tour the emergency building, Cas di Emergensia, and had the opportunity to have their blood pressure and sugar level tested for free.

The main hall was converted into an exposition room with continuous video presentations on the after-effects of hurricane Luis on St Maarten, and a simulation at the Aruba airport.  Photographs of other simulations and the effects of hurricanes, including hurricane Ivan, were also on display. 

The “Together We Can” group mounted an HIV/AIDS Information desk and was able to recruit new volunteer members. Some visitors also signed up as new members.

In the afternoon, the day’s program focused on volunteers and the new board of directors. A lecture on the “History of the Red Cross” was presented in segments by Volunteers Coordinator Steve Croes; Deputy Head Coordinator, Humanitarian Assistance, Ryan Koolman; and Director General Marietta Wanopa. An enthusiastic Question and Answer session followed.

Former Aruba Red Cross President Erlinda Leysner thanked volunteers for their dedication, commitment and personal sacrifices in helping others. The new board members were then introduced.

Leysner’s speech was interrupted by the Director General, who stormed into the room with news that four houses had burnt down, and the victims were enroute to the emergency building for care and assistance.

All present were briefed and volunteers swung into action – for a few minutes. This was, in reality, just a simulation. It was so realistic though, some volunteers didn’t realise it was a simulation until they were told.
The evening ended on a positive note with a barbeque.

The Aruba Red Cross will celebrate its 50th anniversary in October with another gala event.