Belize Red Cross: Understanding Its Nature And Role As A Non-Governmental Organization

The Belize Red Cross Society, founded in 1950 by Dr. Daniel Tenenbaum, is a non-profit humanitarian organization that provides disaster relief and support to those in crisis. As a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the Belize Red Cross Society is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes and flooding. They provide essential aid, including food packages, cleaning kits, blankets, and hygiene kits, to families in need. The organization also assists in COVID-19 response activities, distributing food packages to those who have lost their income due to the pandemic. With a commitment to helping those impacted by natural disasters and health crises, the Belize Red Cross Society plays a crucial role in supporting and empowering vulnerable communities in Belize.

The Belize Red Cross Society was founded in 1950

The Belize Red Cross Society, with its headquarters in Belize City, was founded in 1950 by Dr. Daniel Tenenbaum of the Belmopan City Hospital. Before its establishment, the Belize Red Cross was a part of the British Red Cross.

The Belize Red Cross is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation that provides compassionate care and support to those in need. The society is dedicated to preventing and relieving suffering, both within Belize and internationally. With a network of donors, volunteers, and employees, the Belize Red Cross works tirelessly to deliver vital services and make a difference in the lives of those they serve.

As an independent entity, the Belize Red Cross, much like its American counterpart, is organised and operates as a charitable institution. It receives its financial support primarily from voluntary public contributions and, in certain cases, material aid and assistance from government agencies.

The society has been actively working towards its mission of providing relief and support to those in crisis and helping communities prepare for and respond to emergencies. With a long history of service, the Belize Red Cross has become an integral part of the country's humanitarian response system, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need.

The organisation's work encompasses a range of activities, from disaster relief and recovery to blood donation drives and health and safety training. They also focus on international services, delivering aid and support programs worldwide, and assisting military personnel, veterans, and their families.

It is a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

The Belize Red Cross Society was founded in 1950 by Dr. Daniel Tenenbaum of Belmopan City Hospital. It is a non-governmental organization and a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

The IFRC is a worldwide humanitarian aid organization that reaches 160 million people each year through its 191 member National Societies. It acts before, during, and after disasters and health emergencies to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people. The IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which consists of the ICRC, 191 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and the IFRC itself. This movement is the world's largest humanitarian network, with 80 million people helping those facing disaster, conflict, and health and social challenges.

The IFRC is an umbrella organization for its 191 National Societies, working and operating through them. It is the guardian of the integrity of its members and the protector of National Society interests. These National Societies are auxiliary to their authorities in the humanitarian field, responding to humanitarian and health emergencies and providing support and assistance to vulnerable people within their respective countries. They are active at the national level and rooted within local communities throughout their country.

The IFRC's strength lies in its volunteer network, community-based expertise, and independence and neutrality. It works to improve humanitarian standards, as partners in development and in response to disasters. It persuades decision-makers to act in the interests of vulnerable people, enabling healthy and safe communities, reducing vulnerabilities, strengthening resilience, and fostering a culture of peace around the world. The seven fundamental principles that guide the work of the IFRC and its members are: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

The IFRC is the world's largest humanitarian network

The Belize Red Cross Society is a non-governmental organization founded in 1950 by Dr. Daniel Tenenbaum of the Belmopan City Hospital. It was previously part of the British Red Cross and is now headquartered in Belize City.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest humanitarian network. It supports local Red Cross and Red Crescent action in more than 191 countries, bringing together more than 16 million volunteers. The IFRC is an international membership organization that unites 191 Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and supports them through a global secretariat.

The IFRC acts before, during, and after disasters and health emergencies to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people. They are present in almost every community on Earth, reaching 160 million people every year through long-term services, development programs, and disaster response. The IFRC works to improve global humanitarian standards and persuade leaders to act in the interests of vulnerable people.

The strength of the IFRC lies in its vast volunteer network, its unparalleled community-based expertise, and its independence and neutrality. The volunteers are members of the communities they serve and are trusted by the people they support. The IFRC is committed to saving lives and changing minds, guided by Strategy 2030—a collective plan of action to tackle the decade's major humanitarian and development challenges.

Through their work, the IFRC enables healthy and safe communities, reduces vulnerabilities, improves people's resilience, and promotes peace worldwide. They coordinate and support the work of their member National Societies, ensuring they fulfil their potential as engaged, accountable, and trusted humanitarian actors on a global scale.

The Belize Red Cross provides relief and recovery assistance

The Belize Red Cross Society, founded in 1950 by Dr. Daniel Tenenbaum of Belmopan City Hospital, provides relief and recovery assistance to those in need. The organisation, which was previously part of the British Red Cross, is headquartered in Belize City.

The Belize Red Cross is an independent non-governmental entity that provides vital services to support those in crisis and help communities prepare for and respond to emergencies. In times of disaster, the organisation steps in to offer assistance, ensuring the safety of those affected and providing support during the recovery process.

One of the key ways the Belize Red Cross offers aid is by appealing to the public for donations to support recovery efforts. For instance, following Hurricane Beryl, which caused devastation in Barbados, Grenada, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, St. Lucia, and Jamaica in 2024, the Belize Red Cross Society made an appeal for financial donations to aid recovery efforts in the impacted Caribbean nations.

The Belize Red Cross also provides guidance and resources to help individuals and communities prepare for and respond to a range of disasters. Their resources include information on how to stay safe after a disaster, such as checking the safety of one's home and utility services before re-entering, as well as tips on emotional and financial recovery.

It is headquartered in Belize City

The Belize Red Cross Society is headquartered in Belize City. It was founded in 1950 by Dr. Daniel Tenenbaum of the Belmopan City Hospital and was previously part of the British Red Cross. The organisation's website is currently under development, but it can be contacted at #11 Handyside Street, Belize City, Belize, via email at [email protected], or by phone at +501 203-3319.

The Belize Red Cross Society is a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), which is the world's largest humanitarian network. The IFRC comprises 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, including the Belize Red Cross, and works to save lives and promote dignity around the world.

The Belize Red Cross has been actively involved in providing relief and recovery assistance to communities affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes and flooding. For example, in response to the impact of Hurricane Eta and Iota in Belize in 2020, the organisation assisted with damage assessments and distributed essential items such as food packages, cleaning kits, blankets, and hygiene kits to affected communities.

The Belize Red Cross also recognises the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and has been distributing food packages to families who have lost their income due to the pandemic. The organisation's director general, Lily Bowman, emphasised the need for a dual response to address both the impacts of flooding and the ongoing pandemic, while ensuring the health and safety of staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries.

The Belize Red Cross Society, with the support of the IFRC, is committed to providing relief and assistance to over 1000 families (approximately 5000 people) affected by natural disasters and other crises in the country.

Frequently asked questions