Volunteers from Red Cross and the Down Street Community Council removing debris from a section of the down-street area during a clean-up on Saturday.
PHILIPSBURG–Fifteen volunteers from the St. Maarten Red Cross and the Down Street Community Council removed trash and other debris from a section of the down-street area in Philipsburg on Saturday to “make that area safer and more usable.”
The Red Cross collaborated with Down Street Community Council for the one-day event to improve the look and safety of the community. The clean-up was the first public event of the latest Red Cross project, called “Disaster Risk Reduction”, which aims to raise awareness among residents on how to safeguard themselves and their families from the effects of storms and other hazards.
Red Cross Disaster Risk Reduction project manager Tamas Marki said these small efforts compound over time, improving how well communities withstand disasters.
“Keeping our communities clean contributes majorly to reducing the risk of a disaster. We found many sharp objects and things that could seriously damage people and property if strong winds pick them up, not to mention that this area became walkable now. If nothing else, you can use it for shortcutting a street corner under the nice shade of the trees,” he said.
The Red Cross said it plans to increase its community outreach in the coming months to help “ensure people on the island have the best chance to recover from the effects of disasters,” according to St. Maarten Red Cross Branch Manager Mitchell Horsford.
“Red Cross St. Maarten will continue to grow its role within communities for the years to come. Every little step will make a big difference,” he said.
The Disaster Risk Reduction project will continue for the next year, said the Red Cross, adding that the project will feature “innovative approaches” to reach its awareness targets.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/91792-red-cross-community-group-clean-up-down-street
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