The Malta Independent on Sunday
Red Cross Operations Director
25 years on the island this year. It was recognised by an Act of Parliament as an autonomous voluntary Relief Society auxiliary to the Public Authorities and allowed to carry out its activities in the Maltese Islands in accordance with the rules and principles of the International Red Cross movement.
President of the Malta Red Cross Edward Gruppetta was present and on the ground in Sri Lanka after the 2004 tsunami. “There were international calls asking for support. We helped by embarking on a project building 64 houses and a clinic in a small Sri Lankan village. We had representatives there for around seven months, and I was there for five weeks. The people had lost everything, their houses and their possessions. We had around 80 people on the ground, working with eight different contractors. There was no power, no water, basic needs were non-existent. We had to bring in everything to help these people restart their lives. They never complained about anything, always showing gratitude for our help. The experience we gained was invaluable,” he said.
Mr Gruppetta also took part in the Red Cross operations during the Arab Spring. “We had thousands of evacuees coming over to Malta. We were asked by a number of embassies, and local authorities, to help out where needed. We had clinics set up at the port and we aided with other problem. We were asked by the Libyan Red Cross to support them, and through a vessel operated by the French Red Cross we helped supply some basics, like food, water medical equipment etc”.
The Malta Red Cross has proved to be an invaluable voluntary organisation, aiding Maltese authorities in emergencies, and spreading knowledge of basic first aid around the island.
Aiding 3,000 to 3,500 people a year
Paulette Fenech has been Director General of the Red Cross for the past four years. “The society has grown quite a bit thanks to our volunteers. The Red Cross is funded through a yearly grant, as well as through tenders like those for lifeguarding service, first aid courses, and offering aid at mass events. She also mentioned donations and thanked all those who helped out. “Whatever we earn, we reinvest so that we are able to help more people.”
She said that from a small group of volunteers that started off by running a small ambulance service, the Red Cross today also offers a lifeguarding service, first aid courses delivered both to the general public as well as organisations; they also run a programme called Restoring Family Links.
The Restoring Family Links service helps people in Malta look for family members in another country when one loses contact due to migration, armed conflict or other situations of violence, natural or man-made disasters, or in other situations of humanitarian need.
“First Aid courses are offered to anyone over the age of 14. We conduct training at our premises, and should employers have the facilities, such courses can be offered at their own premises. We have also offered first aid courses to secondary school students who participate for free,” she explained.
A few years ago, the new national disaster response hub was established in Pembroke. She thanked the Icelandic Red Cross for its help in the matter. “The the hub was necessary as we needed somewhere to store our relief items, such as bedding, clothing, food items, water and tents – which are kept in case of a natural disaster or a mass migrant influx.” She said the hub also houses around 11 vehicles, including three sea vehicles. “We have ambulances, rescue vehicles, water ambulances and a jet ski to help out with the lifeguarding service.”
She spoke about a new pilot project called ‘Community First Responders’. “It covers the north of Malta. We are collaborating with Mater Dei Hospital emergency services, who inform us when such services are needed. Basically we assist those in need before the professional ambulance service arrives on scene. The project has been running since June and will conclude at the end of September. So far, 300 casualties per month have been assisted.”
All in all, on average between 3,000 and 3,500 people have been aided by the Red Cross each year, she told The Malta Independent on Sunday.
The Malta Red Cross has five employees – most of whom are part-time, and there are around 70 active dedicated volunteers.
She mentioned that the Red Cross is moving from basing its dependence on volunteers to hiring more staff. Because it is a voluntary organisation the trouble is funding, thus it is not easy to employ more people. “Whenever we issue a call, we first look internally among the volunteers, as we know they are dedicated and passionate about the work we do.”