Humanitarian Logistics – Red Cross Red Crescent
By Alex Batty, MHI Marketing Communications Coordinator |@mhi_alex
If you missed Friday’s post, I ran wild on some (I think) fun Halloween facts. But while Halloween and other holidays are fun, we also need to remember people that can’t celebrate because of their circumstances. Recently on the East coast of the US and in the Caribbean, Hurricane Matthew created a need for goods and services to be rushed to people. Many of us may have moved on from that because it’s no longer in the news, but help is still needed, and it takes logistics to make it work.
Logistics actually plays a huge role in how charitable organizations move goods to those who need it. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies says:
“The basic task of humanitarian logistics comprises acquiring and delivering requested supplies and services, at the places and times they are needed, whilst ensuring best value for money. In the immediate aftermath of any disaster, these supplies include items that are vital for survival, such as food, water, temporary shelter and medicine, among others.
The Global Logistics Service (GLS) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is a recognized provider of humanitarian logistics services. The key mission of GLS is to support the core work of the Red Cross Red Crescent network, which reaches 150 million people each year through 189 member National Societies. The GLS also offers those services on a non-profit basis to third parties in the humanitarian sector and to governments.”
So it’s an extensive network. Once again, logistics and supply chain makes it happen. When humanitarian societies like the Red Cross intake donations, they have to be sorted, shipped, and stored, and automation of supply chain helps them run smoothly. The Red Cross’s Emergency Response Units need to be ready to be deployed 24/7/365 with the supplies they need. During this time, logistician’s have to field a variety of problems in order to make sure people get the help they need. For a closer look at what this looks like, visit http://www.supplychaindigital.com/logistics/3184/Taking-on-logistical-challenges-with-the-Red-Cross
So of the $6.9 billion spent on Halloween candy and costumes, consider donating some of that to a good cause. Or just, you know, some time. Volunteering goes a long, long way to help out, and you can probably put your supply chain and logistics expertise to good use. Happy Halloween!
