This Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) is observing this year’s International Volunteers Day, December 5, 2013 with the launch of the department’s “Communities United in Response to Emergencies” (CURE) a Volunteer Programme aimed at introducing professionalism and international standards to the local volunteer community.
December 5 is commemorated by the United Nations each year in observance day of the power and potential of volunteerism. CURE is a first in the Department’s efforts to professionalise, standardise and coordinate highly trained disaster volunteers island-wide. This programme is aimed at harnessing the power and passion of residents to ensure our communities are safer, stronger and more resilient. CURE Volunteers will be registered by the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies locally under the Disaster Volunteer Programme.
The objectives of CURE are:
· To provide emergency services to communities in the event of a disaster.
· To train volunteers in order that they can provide emergency shelters and rescue when responding during a disaster.
· To build the infrastructure to efficiently place volunteers in the right place at the right time.
· Represent a mutual aid resource that can be utilised island wide.
The role of the volunteers will be more than just responding to incidents or disasters; they will participate in training opportunities, exercises, and group meetings. They will also play a vital role in the safety of people, properties and communities in times of emergency and disaster.
DDME is inviting individuals who are interested in volunteering to sign up as a CURE Volunteer on December 5 at the following locations: Grand Turk the Anglican Dillon Hall and on Providenciales at Graceway IGA between 10:00am and 2:00pm. If you are unable to sign up on that date visit one of our offices in Grand Turk or Providenciales or your local District Commissioner’s office in one of the sister islands.
Volunteerism is generally considered a humane activity and is intended to promote good or improve the human quality of life. In return, this activity can produce a feeling of self-worth and respect. Many volunteers are specifically trained in the areas they work, such as medicine, education or emergency rescue. Others serve on an as needed basis. When you volunteer, you are offering your time and resources, without pay, to help a person or cause.
