– Press Release – The San Pedro Belize Red Cross (SPBRC) recently appointed Sue Barkhouse and Joann Reilly as co-leaders of the Health Committee. Sue is in charge of quarterly blood drives and Joann will be handling the First Aid/CPR training program and monthly courses.
Both Ladies had the opportunity to jump right into their new positions as the San Pedro Red Cross hosted the first events of 2015 in both areas. Sue and Joann did a wonderful job from start to finish and the SPBRC is pleased to have them volunteering in lead positions within the organization.
The San Pedro Branch held First Aid training on January 29 at El Divino Restaurant, Banana Beach Resort. Instructors David Sobers and Tina Gill from the Belize Red Cross trained 11 individuals. The Phoenix Resort, Victoria House Resort, ACES (Crocodile) all sent staff. Two San Pedro Red Cross Volunteers and two private citizens were also trained. The San Pedro Branch of the Belize Red Cross thanks Banana Beach Resort for the use of their facility, and Corona del Mar Hotel with assisting with accommodations. If you would like to join the SPBRC first aid program and receive training for yourself or your staff please contact info.spbrc@gmail.com. Classes are $50 BZD per person plus low cost lunch.
After First aid it was off to the races again as the first blood drive of the new year took place on Saturday, February 7, 2015, with many residents turning out to donate blood at Clinica Los Pinos, Manta Ray St. San Pedro. Both adult and youth volunteers (led by Wendy Alter head of youth committee) helped make the process go smoothly as they took their places as greeters at the door, handing out juice and cookies, and collecting donations on the street.
A healthy turn out of willing donors from 9:00am-3:00pm donating both blood and money kept the clinic busy all day and made the blood drive a big success. The SPBRC branch was able to collect 30 pints of blood for the Ambergris Caye Blood Bank Reserve to be held at the Belize Blood Bank, Belize City. That blood is stored in Belize City for Ambergris locals or tourists for use on a planned surgery or medical emergency. The monetary donations given on the street totaling $746.50 will benefit the SPRC Branch activities.
Working with the Belize Blood Services Group with their enthusiasm and professionalism is always a positive experience for the San Pedro Red Cross. The San Pedro Red Cross is excited to be working on having them come back for World Blood Donor Day, on June 14.
“The SPBRC thanks all donors for making this blood drive so successful. A big ‘Thank You’ goes to Ramon’s Village Resort as 14 of their staff turned out to donate blood. Long-time donator and Ramon’s resort manager Einer Gomez was helpful in motivating his staff to come, printing Flyers to personally hand out and getting Red Cross blood drive notice on their electronic billboards by Tropic Air and on the Clock tower in town.
Keep a look out for the information on the next blood drive coming up in June for World Blood Donor Day and remember: IT’S IN YOU TO GIVE!
Thanks go to all the local business that support the San Pedro Red Cross and greatly help them in building Ambergris Caye into a strong safe island. Los Pinos Clinic, Tropic Air, Ramon’s Village, Ultimate Carts, Caribbean Villas, Bowen and Bowen, Marks Store, Cost Less Store, Marbucks cookies, Ambergris Today, Lighthouse Christian Radio, Krem and San Pedro Sun.”
If you would like to donate blood at the next drive, become a member or volunteer please contact info.spbrc@gmail.com. Please like their Facebook page: San Pedro Belize Red Cross, to show support and stay informed.
Einer Gomez, Ramon’s Village Manager, is a long time donator
Tacogirl was the last donation of the day
Some of the SPBRC Youth group volunteers
New health commmittie co-leader Sue Barkhouse and Office coordinator Shirlee Arnould
Saga Humane Society volunteer Sandie in waiting area
