Red Cross/Flow Give More to Central Kingston Youths

30 children from communities of Arnold, Anderson and Rousseau Roads were feted by The Jamaica Red Cross in partnership with Flow on Saturday October 22. As part of the National Red Cross month of activities, the Kingston and St. Andrew branch created an environment of safety, security and integration at Arnold Road for children age 5-14.

The one-day Fun Camp, held under the theme "Let the Book Bugs Bite" focused on encouraging a love for reading among children. A team of Flow employees spent the day with the youths and assisted the Red Cross by providing care and entertaining them for the day. The volunteers bonded with kids through group activities as well as one-on-one interactions. Hyacinth Smith, Vice Chairman of the Jamaica Red Cross Kingston and St Andrew Branch says the event was in keeping with the mission of the Jamaica Red Cross. "In Jamaica October is celebrated as Red Cross Month, it is the month we were recognised by the Government as a national society. Today we have taken some children from inner city communities to give them a treat. This is the first time we are hosting this event, "she explained.

Employees of Flow and the Jamaica Red Cross spent quality time with children of Arnold, Anderson and Rousseau Roads communities on Saturday October 22. The Youths spent the day socialising with each other, playing games, reading books and  bonded with the Flow volunteers as well as representatives of the Jamaica Fire Brigade.

Volunteers connected with the youths by reading to them and engaging in other team building games. The day's programme which was designed to encourage social interactions and an appreciation for reading resulted in many new friendships being forged through meaningful interactions.

Jeanette Lewis, Public Relations Manager of Flow praised the Red Cross on their rich culture of volunteerism and community support. "The Jamaica Red Cross has been doing good work with children of inner-city communities. We are humbled to have had the opportunity to interact with the children in this way. They received us with such warmth and connected with us immediately. It was a meaningful experience for our team members and the children who seemed to thoroughly enjoy the activities and each other," she explained.

Annette Campbell, Coordinator of the Lifelong Learning Programme of the Jamaica Red Cross Kingston and St Andrew Branch expressed pleasure at Flow's support. "I am very happy that Flow came on board with us. Our van which we use for the meals on wheels programme was stolen and Flow willingly loaned us a van indefinitely. We wanted Flow to come onboard and see what it is we are doing and get involved and I am so happy today they got to interact with the children. It is a worthwhile cause because at the end of the day you feel satisfied knowing you have reached out to the less fortunate and that's what it is all about, Volunteerism," she noted.

Jamaica Red Cross, a member of the International Movement of Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies, has helped those most vulnerable since 1948. The organization undertakes a range of activities aimed at the development of youth, building communities and civil awareness. The organisation also has Red Cross clubs in schools and youth groups for youth no longer in school, a youth out-of-school education program (Uplifting Adolescents Programme), parenting courses and workshops, conflict resolution and mediation training, mentoring program and anti-violence work.