Tim Smith holds the ribbon for Lady Buckinghamshire to cut while Assistant Chief Fire Officer Denis O'Driscoll looks on.
19 March 2009
Volunteers who help provide shelter and support to people involved in emergency incidents are celebrating the arrival of a brand new vehicle.
The British Red Cross Fire & Emergency Support Service’s camper van was unveiled at Bletchley Fire Station by Lady Buckinghamshire.
The vehicle is crewed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by a team of volunteers who respond to a pager alert from Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's emergency control room. The team will attend incidents anywhere in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes and, if requested, will go over the border to assist neighbouring areas.
Buckinghamshire co-ordinator Makyla Greaves said: “This service is invaluable both to the public and to the firefighters, who are able to hand over the welfare side to us while they deal with the incident itself.
“Our volunteers are able to arrange everything from temporary accommodation to insurance claims, from medication to clothing – the list is endless.”
Much of the money for the new vehicle – bigger and better-equipped than its eight-year-old predecessor – was donated by Tesco. The British Red Cross was Tesco Charity of the Year in 2007, and planning and performance manager Tim Smith, who works at the Fenny Lock Distribution Centre, raised additional funds in a sponsored cycle ride from Southampton to Livingston in Scotland.
Makyla said: “This new vehicle is a fantastic addition to the service in Buckinghamshire, and complements the other vehicles within the Thames Valley area. We have a diverse range of vehicles and between us we are able to cover every eventually.”
The Fire & Emergency Support Service can provide:
- Immediate temporary shelter
- Clothing, toiletries and hygiene items
- Use of shower, toilet and washing facilities
- Use of a telephone to contact family and friends
- Use of a camera to assist with insurance claims
- Support with the care of children - providing toys etc
- Support with the care of pets - food, leads etc
- Sign-posting to other organisations
- Assistance in securing temporary accommodation
- Advice on care and replacement of damaged property
Volunteers are always on the lookout for items for the two vehicles - in particular towels, sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, duvets, sleeping bags, toothpaste and socks. Clothes and soft toys are also useful, and donations of unwanted presents can be used as raffle prizes to raise funds.
If you can help, please email mgreaves@redcross.org.uk or ring 01296 739300.