Mobile heating points to operate in Vitebsk during frosts

21 January, Vitebsk /Alena Tikhonova - BELTA/. Two mobile heating and catering points are starting operations in Vitebsk today, the Vitebsk Regional Organisation of the Belarusian Red Cross Society (BRCS) informed a BELTA correspondent.

A mobile heating point is a tent with a heater, where people suffering from frost will be offered hot tea and biscuits. 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 footwear.

Each mobile point will be staffed by a team of volunteers from the rapid response unit of the Vitebsk Regional Organisation of the BRCS. "The team members have first aid skills, but if necessary, we will also involve doctors in the duty shifts. In previous frosty winters, the police also helped us. This season, we will act based on circumstances and people's needs," emphasised Dmitry Rachkovsky, coordinator of youth programmes at the Vitebsk Regional Organisation of the BRCS.

He noted that on average, a mobile point serves 20 to 50 people per day. However, during severe frosts, up to 70 people a day came to the volunteers to warm up and have a hot drink.

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," assure the regional organisation of the BRCS.

In Orsha, Polotsk, and Novopolotsk, stationary heating and hot meal points will be in operation.

Due to the established low temperatures, the Vitebsk Regional Organisation of the BRCS 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 BRCS organisations 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 organisation of the BRCS. -0-