While they are the first to give a helping hand, the New Zealand Red Cross in Rotorua is asking for a little help themselves.
The organisation is asking people to "See Red" during their national annual appeal this week to help in providing much-needed programmes and services in the community.
A local
Red Cross emergency management team was deployed in Christchurch last week to help in the earthquake-struck city.
Programme and events co-ordinator Emily McGowan said part of the money raised each year goes towards training and providing that service.
"They help out in the welfare centres and work in conjunction with Civil Defence," she said. "They field phone calls, manage registration and provide support. They even just sit down with people, having a chat to them. Some of these people have lost their homes and just need to talk."
Also offered by the Red Cross is the Breakfast in Schools programme which provides healthy breakfasts to low decile schools. "A lot of kids don't have breakfast. Families are struggling with day-to-day running of costs," she said.
Red Cross will be set up throughout the city and in front of supermarkets at Brookland Rd, Te Ngae and Ngongotaha.
Collectors will also be out. Businesses will also be involved in a window display competition with the theme, "See Red". The winning business will receive a free first aid course for one of their employees.
People can also donate by calling 0900 RED CROSS (0900 733 27).
