Thanks to donors, we can provide professional and efficient assistance

"As much as 19,000 euros we received from our donors, a wonderful yield from the Local Support Action. Partly because of this we can provide professional and efficient assistance." An interview with Dirk van Beem, president of Red Cross-Hamme and Niels De Geeter, department manager relief service.

The department was able to purchase a new Red Cross tent that will be used at preventive services to set up an aid station. People will find the aid station at such events as the Wuitens Marches, the Flandriencross cyclocross race, the 3-day walking event, the local carnival and the Fantasia Festival.

"This purchase was much needed," Dirk explains. "With the new tent we are now visible to people again, the previous one was 50 years old and the Red Cross symbol had faded completely. This tent is also safer because the outer material is fire retardant. In addition, the volunteers at the aid station can work more comfortably." Niels underlines this with examples: "During the Wuitens Marches, we had two areas inside the aid station, one for receiving people coming in and behind it the area for grooming. At the Fantasia Festival we cared for 196 people in 12 hours, which gave a good feeling."

Sharing materials with other departments

Thanks to donors, a new infant resuscitation manikin was also purchased. "A major advantage is that this one is computerized. So is the manikin they use in the exams, so now we can better prepare the rescuers for the exams. So we get better rescuers."

To avoid purchasing more than necessary, Hamme shares equipment with other departments. Dirk: "There is good cooperation between the departments. We use the adult resuscitation manikin from Red Cross-Waasmunster and they use our baby resuscitation manikin."

The first aid courses in Hamme are doing well, by the way. "There are 9 courses a year and they are very successful. There is a lot of demand." Donors are also invited to join.

Curious about what your support can do in the neighborhood? 

Read more stories here of what local chapters were able to accomplish thanks to financial support from their residents.