Between operating its thrift shop, being available for emergency response, providing first aid at large events, and assisting with first aid training and disaster preparedness throughout the territory, the BVI Red Cross has a lot on its plate.
Run by a small staff and many volunteers, the organisation, while well supported in some ways through the British Red Cross and partnerships with other organisations, faced some sizable challenges in 2012, according to Director Helen Frett’s 2012 report.
The organisation’s headquarters on Station Avenue present several challenges, the report explains. For one thing, the facility is a bit small to handle all the items the organisation wants to store, which include emergency supplies, medical equipment, and all the clothing and other items donated to the Red Cross Thrift Shop.
“Additional storage space is greatly needed,” states the report, which was tabled in the House of Assembly this month.
Reached last week, Ms. Frett said the organisation has plans to purchase a storage shed to help alleviate the problem.
The main building also has several cracks and “is not structurally sound,” according to the report. “A contractor was brought in to evaluate the repairs needed. He reported that extensive work will be needed to repair the roof to prevent leakage.”
The organisation also needed a manager for its thrift shop. The store is staffed by volunteers, but “a dedicated manager would add to the performance of the store,” the report states. The store is the organisation’s biggest income earner, according to the report.
Since the report was issued, Ms. Frett said, the store has seen a major reorganisation, which has been well received by customers, but efforts to find a store manager have been unsuccessful.
See the Jan. 30, 2014 edition for full coverage.
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