Press release from the American Red Cross:
American Red Cross Celebrates 129 Years of Service during Red Cross Month
Recognizes March with Special Events, Initiatives in Northeast Indiana(March 1, 2010) Each March, the American Red Cross recognizes and thanks the supporters and volunteers whose efforts enable the Red Cross to fulfill its life-saving mission, down the street, across the country, and around the world. “The Red Cross works tirelessly to be there with help and hope when people need it most – and we are grateful for the public support that enables us to continue our work – here at home and abroad,” says Kay Ostrum, Executive Director for the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana. “Our community and our nation depend on the Red Cross in times of need, and the Red Cross depends on the support of people in America to achieve its mission.”
Red Cross Month is a great time for the community to get involved with the Red Cross, such as donating blood; signing up for a CPR, first aid or another Red Cross course; giving a financial gift that can really save the day when the next disaster strikes or getting involved as a volunteer. The Red Cross provides shelter, food, comfort, and hope to survivors of nearly 70,000 disasters each year; helps prepare communities for emergencies; is the largest single provider of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills to more than 5 million people a year; supports military members and their families, and provides international humanitarian aid.
“The Red Cross has responded following the Haiti earthquake in January, working to turn despair into hope,” says Ostrum. “The Red Cross is there in Haiti now – and we are also here each day across the country for families who need us.” Although major disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes and, wildfires capture national media headlines, the day-to-day work of the Red Cross often takes place in local communities. In the past year, the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana assisted 1,308 disaster victims and 432 military families with emergency communication, reached 20,617 people through CPR, first aid, AED, aquatics, and babysitter’s training, and provided 2,856 translations and interpretations for local non-native English speakers. In addition, 28,120 units of blood were collected.
Locally, the Red Cross is celebrating March through various ways, including mayoral proclamations, placing street banners in downtown Fort Wayne, and partnering with local businesses, schools, and organizations on a special visibility initiative. In addition, the Red Cross will partner with the Mad Ants basketball team in a special “Red Cross night” on Tuesday, March 16 at 7:00 p.m. at the Memorial Coliseum. Also, the Red Cross is offering a special “2 for 1 Saturday” CPR and first aid promotion on March 20 in which a registered participant may bring a friend or family member to the same class that day at no additional cost. All Health & Safety items, including first aid kits and reference guides, are 10% off during the entire month of March as well.
For more information on Red Cross Month efforts and services provided, please contact the American Red Cross of Northeast Indiana at (260) 484.9336 or visit www.redcrossofnei.org.
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