Stories from the field
Haiti Diary – Cheryl Kelly
Energy and Excitement
March 29, 2010
My days are quite long and full here. I typically wake up at 5:30 am - not because I choose to but because the rooster outside my window thinks it’s a good idea.
These early stages of our operations are both interesting and exciting. Our transitional shelter program is starting to scale up and even just hearing about it is exhilarating. Everyone is full of energy and a desire to get this program up and running. Part of each day is filled with creating and implementing systems and constantly reviewing those systems to ensure they are appropriate.
I’m learning just how complex our work here is and how dedicated the Red Cross is to ensuring each and every donor dollar is used to help our beneficiaries in the best ways possible. I was told today that in Jacmel we may be hiring dozens of local staff members to help. It’s going to be a long couple of weeks but certainly very rewarding!
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.
