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March is Red Cross Month - A Time to Recognize Everyday Heroes
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March is Red Cross Month,
A Time to Recognize Everyday Heroes
"Volunteers are the heart and soul of the American Red Cross"
Across the nation, the American Red Cross is recognizing volunteer heroes during Red Cross Month.
March has been recognized as Red Cross Month for over 70 years, ever since President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation in 1943, calling on Americans to "rededicate themselves to the splendid aims and activities of the Red Cross." Every President since that time, has recognized the critical role the Red Cross has played for more than 130 years, in helping people across the country and around the world.
"Volunteers are the heart and soul of the American Red Cross. Ninety-five percent (95%) of our workforce is volunteer, and we couldn't do it without them. They give their time, talent and compassion to fulfill our vital humanitarian mission of preventing and alleviating human suffering," said Coralie Chun Matayoshi, CEO of the Hawaii Red Cross. "During Red Cross Month, we honor and applaud them for their invaluable contribution to the community and ask you to consider joining us and making a difference."
The Red Cross depends on local heroes to fulfill its mission. They are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and respond to home fires and other disasters in Hawaii every 4 days, providing shelter, food, emotional support and other necessities to those affected. The Hawaii Red Cross also educates local youth, organizations and businesses on how to prepare before disasters strike, provides 24/7 support to members of the military, veterans and their families, and trains thousands of people in first aid and other lifesaving skills.
The Hawaii Red Cross has been helping local residents in need for over 100 years. And much of our work is accomplished through the work of our volunteers. In fiscal year 2017, the Hawaii Red Cross responded to 79 local emergencies, installed 1,741 smoke alarms in 627 homes, taught disaster preparedness to 2,753 keiki, assisted 2,143 military families with emergency communications, and provided lifesaving training to over 16,000 people.
"It's easy to become a Red Cross hero," said Matayoshi, "go to redcross.org/hawaii to sign up as a Red Cross volunteer, make a financial donation, and see how you can get involved."
New Next Generation Emergency Response Vehicle. Thanks to the support of the local community, the Hawaii Red Cross now has a new next generation Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) just in time for Red Cross Month!
When disasters strike, the people of Hawaii know the Red Cross will be there to respond. The ERV is instrumental in almost every phase of disaster response- from prepositioning people, cots and blankets before a hurricane strikes, to distributing food and water following a brush fire, to providing a safe place for a Red Cross worker to offer physical and emotional support to a family following a home fire.
The new ERV is more ergonomic for workers, easier to drive, provides ample storage room for supplies and meals, and adjusts to the needs of disasters large and small. It also has reduced maintenance costs, a longer life-span and is more fuel efficient.
Special thanks to KHON2 for helping to raise $122,000 through their Red Cross Disaster Relief Telethon in March 2017, which included generous donations from HMSA and First Hawaiian Bank. Also, thanks to the Samuel and Mary Castle Foundation for helping to fund the ERV.
GIVING DAY The Red Cross is also asking everyone to support people impacted by disasters and #help1family on Giving Day -- Wednesday, March 28. Your donation can help provide hope and urgent relief such as food, blankets and other essentials to people who need it most. Giving Day is a 24-hour fundraising campaign supporting the work of the Red Cross, helping people across the country in need of emergency assistance. Donate now by visiting redcross.org/givingday, or by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10.
The Red Cross is a non-profit humanitarian organization which provides assistance to meet the immediate emergency needs of those affected by disasters. All Red Cross assistance to disaster victims is free. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it depends on public contributions to help others. Your gift supports the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross in your community, across the country and around the world. To send a contribution, mail your check to American Red Cross, 4155 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, Hawaii 96816 or make a secure online donation at redcross.org/hawaii or call (808) 739-8109.
ABOUT HAWAII RED CROSS
HOURS - Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
ABOUT US
The American Red Cross in Hawaii prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
The Hawaii State Chapter provides the following programs and services in the State of Hawaii.
- Disaster Relief
- Safety Training
- Military (Service to the Armed Forces)
- International Services
- Red Cross First Aid Stations
- Community Events and Presentations (speaker requests)
MISSION
The American Red Cross in Hawaii prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
The Hawaii State Chapter responds continually to large and small disasters throughout the State of Hawaii. The Red Cross is the only volunteer organization charged, by federal Congressional Charter, with responding during disasters to provide for the immediate emergency needs of families and individuals. In addition, the Chapter prepares individuals and businesses to be more prepared for emergencies and to initiate appropriate action to ensure the health and safety of those around them and themselves.
The American Red Cross is not a government agency. We depend on the aloha spirit of giving from our community to help others in need.
Read more about our vision, values and more...
STATEWIDE PRESENCE
The Hawaii State Chapter consists of the Chapter headquarters, offices on Maui, Kauai and Hawaii and four military service centers (Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Schofield Barracks, Kaneohe Marine Corp Base and Tripler Army Medical Center).
HISTORY
Founded in 1881 by Clara Barton, the American Red Cross is one of the oldest human service organizations in the United States. In 1905, the U.S. Congress chartered the Red Cross to help relieve the suffering caused by disasters. Over the years, we have become part of the very fiber of the community and Americans have grown to expect and rely on our swift, professional assistance through a national volunteer corps of more than 1.44 million people. The American Red Cross is one of more than 145 member nations that comprise the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Currently, 967 chapters make up the American Red Cross.
Although 1917 is the official date that the first American Red Cross chapter was chartered in Hawaii, Red Cross work began as early as 1898, when some 300 women, including Princess Kaiulani, organized a Red Cross society to aid the sick and wounded soldiers stopping here on transports from the Philippines during the Spanish-American War.
Today, the Hawaii State Chapter is a leader in health and safety training. Red Cross disaster volunteers respond regularly to house and apartment fires, and are prepared for larger disasters like hurricanes, tsunamis, and floods.
Through its extensive use of trained volunteers, the American Red Cross has earned a reputation for being of one of the nation's most efficiently managed non-profit organizations, a distinction that has been recognized by publications such as Forbes, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Nonprofit Times and Money Magazine. The Hawaii State Chapter of the American Red Cross has over 4,000 volunteers - a volunteer-to-staff ratio of more than 10 to 1.
The Hawaii State Chapter of the American Red Cross is known for excellent stewardship of funds. We have always prided ourselves on providing services that do not duplicate the services of other non-profits organizations and proactively seeking ways to collaborate with other providers.
Sep 14, 1917: Queen Liliuokalani's secretary, Colonel Iaukea, presents a hand-sewn Red Cross flag to members of the local Chapter on the steps of Iolani Palace. This ceremony took place a few months after the Hawaii Chapter was officially chartered. At the Queen's suggestion, the flag flew over the palace and later hung in the Throne Room during World War I. Mrs. Henry Dawson accepts flag. Territorial Governor Lucius Pinkham is behind Iaukea.
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Vision
- ...all people affected by disaster across the country and around the world receive care, shelter and hope;
- ...our communities are ready and prepared for disasters;
- ...everyone in our country has access to safe, lifesaving blood and blood products;
- ...all members of our armed services and their families find support and comfort whenever needed; and
- ...in an emergency, there are always trained individuals nearby, ready to use their Red Cross skills to save lives.
The American Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners, is always there in times of need. We aspire to turn compassion into action so that
Values
- Compassionate: We are dedicated to improving the lives of those we serve and to treating each other with care and respect.
- Collaborative: We work together as One Red Cross family, in partnership with other organizations, and always embrace diversity and inclusiveness.
- Creative: We seek new ideas, are open to change and always look for better ways to serve those in need.
- Credible: We act with integrity, are transparent guardians of the public trust and honor our promises.
- Committed: We hold ourselves accountable for defining and meeting clear objectives, delivering on our mission and carefully stewarding our donor funds.
Local Training and Preparedness
- Lifesaving training to almost 20,000 people per year (CPR, first aid, aquatics, babysitting, pet first aid, and nurse aide training)
- Free Annual Summer Swim program for over 45 years at Ala Moana Beach for hundreds of keiki and adults, and a volunteer teen Summer Buddies leadership program.
- Workplace Safety teaches workers how to prevent injuries and respond to life threatening emergencies
- Caregiving teaches families to care for loved ones at home, or in a career to care for sick, elderly and disabled in a care setting.
- Disaster preparedness information was shared with over 27,000 people on how to prepare for emergencies
- Pre-deployment briefings provided to 17,000 servicemen and families
Relevance of Red Cross in Hawaii
- With the threat of flu pandemic, terrorist attacks, and major natural and man-made disasters, the American Red Cross is more relevant and necessary than ever before. It is not "if," but "when" a major disaster in Hawaii will occur, and with your help, we'll be ready.
- The Red Cross is not a government agency. All disaster training and services are free, made possible by generous donations from local individuals and businesses and our dedicated volunteers.
Questions? Ready for an appointment?
American Red Cross, Hawaii State Chapter
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