Mobile heating points start operating in Vitebsk during frosts
Two mobile heating and food points are starting operations today in Vitebsk, a correspondent of BELTA was informed by the Vitebsk regional organization of the Belarusian Red Cross Society (BRCS).
A mobile heating point is a tent with a heater, where people suffering from the cold will be offered hot tea and cookies. In addition, at the mobile points of the Red Cross, it will be possible to receive food and hygiene kits, as well as warm clothes and shoes.
A team of volunteers from the rapid response unit for emergency situations of the Vitebsk regional organization of the BRCS will work at each mobile point. "The guys have first aid skills, but if necessary, we will also involve doctors in the duty shifts. In past frosty winters, police officers also helped us. This season, we will act based on circumstances and people's needs," emphasized Dmitry Rachkovsky, coordinator of youth programs of the Vitebsk regional organization of the BRCS.
He noted that on average, a mobile point serves from 20 to 50 people per day. But during severe frosts, up to 70 people a day came to the volunteers to warm up and drink hot tea.
It is planned that the mobile heating points in Vitebsk will operate for two weeks. "We will provide assistance as long as the low temperatures persist," assures the regional organization of the BRCS.
Stationary heating and hot meal points will operate in Orsha, Polotsk, and Novopolotsk.
Due to the established low temperatures, the Vitebsk regional organization of the Belarusian Red Cross Society asks residents of the region to assist in collecting warm clothing for needy categories of citizens (homeless and low-income). Collection points for winter clothing, footwear, and blankets are open at the city and district organizations of the Belarusian Red Cross Society throughout the region. "An analysis of the needs of the target groups has shown that there is a need for men's items. Sweaters, trousers, jackets, hats, mittens, socks, and winter footwear are needed," explained the regional organization of the Belarusian Red Cross Society.
Alena Tikhonova