Stories from the field
Haiti Diary – Cheryl Kelly
There’s a first time for everything
March 10, 2010
On March 12th, I’ll be boarding a plane to Port-au-Prince, Haiti to join the International Red Cross relief efforts there. Not only will I be joining the largest single-country humanitarian response in the history of the Red Cross – this is also my first international mission.
I work for the Canadian Red Cross’ Overseas Personnel Department where I meet hundreds of Canadian Red Cross delegates who are preparing to leave Canada to do Red Cross work abroad. Now that I am the one preparing to leave, I understand their excitement, nerves, and the pride they feel as they prepare to go.
I’m fortunate because I have supportive family and friends who are cheering me on. I’m also lucky because my colleagues, many of whom have years of experience working internationally, have given me tips and advice, and have shared their stories from the field. Their encouragement means the world to me.
I’ll be staying at the Red Cross base camp in Port-au-Prince. Literally hundreds of Red Cross workers from around the world are there and I can’t wait to meet them. I’m also looking forward to meeting members of the Haitian Red Cross, who I understand are truly inspiring.
Wish me luck as I embark on this new and exciting adventure!
Cheryl Kelly is currently serving as the Human Resources Advisor for the Canadian Red Cross’ Overseas Personnel Department. She will be working in Haiti to help set up the personnel component of the Canadian Red Cross operation. Cheryl will interview and hire local staff, welcome and help brief staff from Canada and implement human resources policies and procedures.
