By Jhr Alexander W. Beelaerts van Blokland LL.M.
Like so many cities all over the world, The Hague has a Red Cross organisation: the Red Cross branch The Hague (see www.rodekruis.nl/denhaag for those who can read Dutch).
This almost a 150 years old independent ‘Rode Kruis afdeling Den Haag’ (the Red Cross branch The Hague) is very active for the local community but – as part of the world wide Red Cross- of course also for the many emergency needs in the world, such as recently the victims of the hurricane in the Dutch Caribbean (the island of St. Maarten in particular).
With over three hundred volunteers the Red Cross The Hague gives first aid and emergency relief and stimulates people to learn how to help themselves and others in case of emergency. They are present at many events, also international ones for expats, to give first aid if needed.
On October 25th the Mayor of The Hague Mrs. Pauline Krikke will open a new office of the Red Cross The Hague at Zilverstraat number 2, with an academy for First Aid in case of Accidents (in Dutch: EHBO, Eerste Hulp bij Ongelukken), where companies as well as individuals can follow lessons and workshops how to act in moments of emergency.
On November 11th the annual benefit gala dinner ‘Gala aan Zee’(‘Gala at the Sea’) will be organised for the 30th time in the Kurhaus Hotel next to the beach, close to the Red Cross First Aid Station on the beach itself, which is open during summer.
It will be a spectacular dinner again, with lots of events such as a lottery , an auction and performances of very well known (Dutch) artists such as the musical star Mariska van Kolck and the singer songwriter Waylon. The proceeds from all of that will enable the Red Cross The Hague to continue and enlarge its meaningful activities. For those who can read Dutch please see www.haagserodekruisgala.nl.
The Red Cross The Hague works for everyone in The Hague: for Dutch inhabitants as well as for the readers of Diplomat Magazine: the more than 40.000 expats working here for embassies, international courts and tribunals, IGO’s, NGO’s and companies.
It deserves a warm support from all citizens of The Hague.
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About the author: Jhr. Alexander W. Beelaerts van Blokland LL.M. is Justice (Judge) in the (Dutch) Court of Appeal and honorary Special Advisor International Affairs, appointed in 2004 by the Mayor and Aldermen of The Hague.
a.beelaerts@planet.nl
