The Lanzarote Red Cross has helped 8,000 people in this 2017 that is about to end through various projects, according to the president of the NGO on the island, Alicia Martín, who has taken stock of the year on Radio Lanzarote-Onda Cero. Martín, who also has announced that she is leaving the presidency of the Red Cross for work reasons, has been "happy" with the figures with which they are closing 2017.
Most of the people who have been cared for by the Red Cross this year have been through the food program, where "more than 6,000 people have been reached through associations in Arrecife." "There are three phases and, in the second, we have distributed 115,000 kilos plus another 1,000 donated by companies and individuals," said the president of the NGO on the island, highlighting that "Lanzarote is very supportive."
In addition, according to Alicia Martín, another 600 people have been cared for directly through Red Cross social workers and food has been granted "to more than 300." "We have also achieved something very important for us, which is to reach an agreement with a logistics company, because with these numbers it is difficult to do it with volunteers," she stressed.
Need for a public shelter
The president of the Lanzarote Red Cross has also pointed out that "breakfast packages have been provided to 80 families", that water and electricity have been paid "to 170 people" and "rent to more than 66". According to Alicia Martín, 80% of those cared for by food, rent, water and electricity have been in Arrecife. In this sense, the head of the humanitarian institution has pointed out the importance of the capital having a public shelter.
"More than 300 toys are being collected through donations and individuals," added Martín, who also indicated that in terms of employment, the Red Cross has helped more than 100 people this year.
71 immigrants arrived in nine boats attended
The NGO has also cared for "almost 400 elderly people" on the island in 2017 through various projects: in health to almost 15 people, in daily activities such as shopping with the elderly to 47 and in telecare to more than 300. Users who need adapted transport have also been helped, making "three trips a month" and delivering crutches to 50 people. More than 50 children have been cared for by the Red Cross Youth through the Hospitalized Children's Classroom that the NGO has in the hospital.
The Lanzarote Red Cross has also provided care this year to 71 immigrants who arrived in nine boats. "And in relief and emergencies we can say that we have two ambulances with our own funds, which has cost us," concluded Alicia Martín.