The scale of today’s global challenges can feel overwhelming at times. But in the midst of a global pandemic, the climate emergency, and the dangers faced by communities at risk of disaster and scarcity, there is hope. This hope is built through countless acts of kindness from one person to another in communities large and small across the world.

The theme of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2021 is #unstoppable, because together our commitment to make the world a safer and more peaceful place is #unstoppable. As Red Cross we know that the power to change the world lies within peopleand communities. Our Volunteers and Staff work every day to ensure that determination, to make sure communities have the knowledge and means to protect themselves, reduce their risks, and live safely and with dignity.

Wherever there is a crisis, there is a Red Cross or Red Crescent volunteer ready to support the people affected and ensure that they recover quickly and can live with greater resilience and dignity. Our commitment never wavers, and our compassion has no limits.

Disasters and crises have not stopped for the pandemic. There are many challenges to address, and too many communities are at risk worldwide. Every individual act of kindness and support matters – no matter how big or small it may seem. As the world’s largest humanitarian network, we know from experience that this collective local action has a massive global impact.

There’s so much to celebrate. For example, National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies report that 650.5 million people worldwide – one person in 12 – are being supported by the Red Cross with health and hygiene promotion activities. All of this work is possible because an estimated one in 636 people worldwide helps their community through the Red Cross and Red Crescent.

So today, on World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, we say thanks to the 14 million volunteers who give their time and apply their skills to make their communities safer, more resilient, and more inclusive. Particularly to our over 300 volunteers in Dominica working in our communities to make them resilient.

This is the power of humanity, and it is #unstoppable.

In Dominica

• Volunteers are assisting with the roll out of the vaccines at all the Health Centers

• We have prepositioned relief items in ten communities around the island

• Our volunteers are assisting vulnerable community residents throughout the island

• Food vouchers were given to over 200 vulnerable residents affected by COVID-19

• Education of the public on the effects of COVID and the importance of being vaccinated and adhering to the protocols continues

• We continue giving welfare assistance to many vulnerable individuals

• Medical aid assistance is provided to those ill or those who are injured

• We have been in constant touch with our Red Cross colleagues in St. Vincent and have sent supplies to them

• Dante Moses our Youth Rep on the Board has been deployed to St. Vincent to assist in the recovery process after several explosions of the volcano

COVID-19 is an unprecedented global crisis. But global solidarity – and global kindness – will help the world to survive this pandemic and help it to thrive again afterwards. Red Cross volunteers are supporting this process in our communities and reminding people of the power of humanity.

This is the power of humanity in the Red Cross, together we are unstoppable.