Terry Ann Chippy

Hurricane Ivan has killed at least 11 people in Jamaica on September 10, 2004. All volunteers were already on standby or either out working in shelters across the country.

Most shelters were overcrowded and the National Stadium Auditorium was no exception. I got there first thing Saturday morning after the winds and rains have passed. The auditorium must have had about a thousand persons there.

There were mostly women and children and senior citizens. People started complaining of hunger and various ailments. The volunteers who have been there throughout the storm showed signs of weariness.

Nonetheless, they kept going, attending to as many needs as possible. However, as more help came in, some were able to go home and check on their own assets and maybe get some rest. We received lots of assistance both in the form of donations and volunteers to assist.

I joined the Jamaica Red Cross Kingston & St Andrew branch, shortly after I graduated from the Kingsway High School in 2000. I never had any prior knowledge of the Red Cross before and on that morning that I signed up to be a member; I just walked into their office.

I did however go out that day with an inner force to find a way to help my society and that it where my feet led me.  My first meeting was the members meeting that are held every third Thursdays of each month. I met some of the most amazing persons that afternoon.

I was able to jump right in the action as the next day I volunteered to work at our Bingo fund-raising show at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Center the next evening. This event was fun and a success.

Reflecting on the time that I have been with this organization, I’ve felt a great sense of satisfaction by the numerous contributions that I have made.

I have worked in the First Aid section and I can say that even though those trainings were very intense, it was worth it.

The various events that we worked at gave us invaluable experience which we can use in any field that we choose and I would encourage everyone to volunteer with the Red Cross.