GREENWICH, CT — The American Red Cross Metro New York North Chapter, which is headquartered in Greenwich, provides valuable services and helps countless neighbors in need.
Last Friday, the town recognized those efforts and American Red Cross Month with a proclamation and flag raising at Town Hall.
“We know there are going to be more disasters, unfortunately, and they’re there, with boots on the ground all the time,” First Selectman Fred Camillo said during the event. Members from the local chapter and the community were in attendance. “We are really proud of our chapter here. Thanks for all you do.”
According to Camillo’s proclamation, the Red Cross Metro New York North Chapter responded to more than 130 local disasters in the past year. They installed 658 free smoke alarms and educated nearly 1,100 residents in emergency preparedness, and more than 8,000 residents in first aid/CPR/AED.
Also in the area, the chapter provided more than 3,000 services to military members, veterans and families last year, and has collected on average 9,000 units of blood from generous donors each year.
“March is American Red Cross Month, which is a special time to recognize and thank our heroes — the Red Cross volunteers and donors who give of their time and resources to help community members,” Camillo said in his proclamation. “The American Red Cross depends on local heroes to deliver help and hope during a disaster. We applaud our heroes here in Greenwich who give of themselves to assist their neighbors when they need a helping hand.”
Camllo urged the community to support the organization and its humanitarian mission.
Chapter CEO Stephanie Dunn Ashley said the support from Greenwich and surrounding communities has meant a lot.
“That’s what the Red Cross is all about; it’s about volunteerism, giving back, and having the community behind you,” she told Patch.
Dunn Ashley said the services the Red Cross offers are unique in that they touch different people from different communities.
The Red Cross responds to all kinds of disasters by providing shelter, food and emotional support, and other necessities to impacted people. It also provides 24-hour support to military members, veterans and their families and teaches lifesaving skills related to lifeguarding, CPR, and even babysitting.
“It’s vital to make sure that we’re here every day for those five to 20 home fires we might be responding to, for those military families that need us, and then obviously to anyone who needs the lifesaving blood we give,” Dunn Ashley added.
The organization also collects nearly 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply.
At the conclusion of the proclamation reading, Dunn Ashley raised the Red Cross flag in front of Town Hall as guests looked on.
For more information on where to find a blood drive, or how to get involved in Red Cross training or services, visit redcrossblood.org or redcross.org.
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