Red Cross annual campaign underway

Every day this week you will find the Red Cross volunteers stationed outside MJ’s Newsagency raising money for Red Cross Calling.

The Australian branch of Red Cross began on 13 August 1914, nine days after the outbreak of WWI.

At the time, hundreds of thousands of volunteers flocked to the cause, and the organisation remains an important operation today, providing help to the elderly and those in need, including those experiencing homelessness and loneliness.

The Red Cross services include practical help and resources before, during and after emergencies.

There are programs to support refugees, people seeking asylum or who may be in immigration detention, and others who may be vulnerable because of recent migration.

An additional service is a daily reassurance telephone call to check on the health and wellbeing of the frail and aged, people with a disability, or anyone who is medically at risk.

This is called the Telecross service. If the call is not answered, Red Cross initiates an emergency procedure and arranges for assistance.

The undertaking provides peace of mind if there is a risk of a family member or friend suffering from an accident or illness that may go unnoticed, such as falling and being unable to call for help.

President Max Pringle OAM said the local organisation is extremely grateful for the generosity of the local community. “We raise money at various times throughout the year, especially focussing on flood victims, fire ravaged areas, and we have in the past supported Ukraine, working in conjunction with the Red Crescent Movement. We support all disasters, wherever they are.”