There's triple cause for celebrations for Aucklanders involved with Red Cross work this week.
On 9 May, 100 Red Cross volunteers gathered at Motat to celebrate World Red Cross Red Crescent Day 201. This year is also the International Year of the Volunteer and it is the 80th Anniversary of New
Zealand Red Cross becoming a fully fledged National Society (1931-2011).
Volunteers at the Motat celebration were asked to stand as their area of contribution was announced.
Areas included the 12 Red Cross branches and groups and; Auckland Hospital Trolley Programme, Auckland Hospital Flower Service, Emergency Response Team, Waitakere Hospital Meet and Greet, Special Appeal, Annual Appeal, as well as those who supported Red Cross Auckland Service Centre registering those in need coming out of Christchurch.
These volunteers included staff from Auckland Citizens Advice Bureau. Registration took place at two centres, one at the Airport and one in Manukau and helped assist approximately 4000 people.
Volunteers attending the event were treated to a spread of goodies and a complementary tour of the 1950's exhibition I'm the last tram, with tickets gifted to Red Cross by Motat.
Today, one in every 2000 people volunteer for a Red Cross or Red Crescent Society across the world; meaning nearly every community on the globe has a Red Cross or Red Crescent volunteer supporting it.
Every year around New Zealand, thousands of volunteers enable Red Cross to deliver 750,000 hot meals, serve more than 285,000 breakfasts to hungry children and help people in need in New Zealand and overseas.
Disasters will continue to happen, but one of the greatest resources we have in addressing these crises is our volunteers, and that's why we're using World Red Cross Red Crescent Day this year to pay tribute to their invaluable contribution.
Cross purposes
Red Cross volunteers don't just respond to emergencies.
Programmes co-oridantor Beth Geraghty says volunteers offer their most precious resource - their time - to make a difference in their community and help people in need.
There are close to 2000 Red Cross Volunteers within the Auckland area. As the world's largest humanitarian organisation, Red Cross relies on voluntary service to achieve it's goals.
If you'd like to get involved as a volunteer, call 09 262 0942.
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