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March 1, 2008 – In a tradition dating back to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, President George W. Bush declared March as Red Cross Month, calling it a time to “honor this charitable organization” and “reflect on its remarkable achievements and contributions to our country.”
In a Proclamation signed on Friday, February 29, the President cited examples of how the Red Cross had provided food, comfort and medical assistance to the victims of a number of disasters in 2007, including the devastating wildfires in California. He also noted how the Red Cross provides vital assistance by organizing blood drives, teaching health and safety programs, and supporting our men and women in uniform.
For the Orange County Red Cross, some of the special recognition and activities during Red Cross Month will include:
• Presentation of a Resolution from the Orange County Board of Supervisors to Stanley Perdue, Orange County Chapter CEO, at their March 18 meeting;
• March is Red Cross Month street banners posted at the chapter in Santa Ana;
• A government leaders breakfast briefing on March 20 focused on partnerships to build response capacity for Orange County catastrophic disaster planning;
• A Rock-N-Runway youth fundraiser on March 29 presented to raise funds for chapter youth initiatives, and;
• A voting delegation from the Orange County Chapter scheduled to attend the Red Cross National Convention in Baltimore March 27-29.
The Red Cross also uses March to urge citizens to get prepared. There are three simple actions to “Be Red Cross Ready” for disasters and other emergencies: 1) Get a kit, 2) Make a plan and 3) Be informed.
“We are appreciative of the generous support from the communities we serve, and we remain focused on the guiding principles of our mission – to prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies,” states Stanley Perdue, CEO.
The American Red Cross commemorated 90 years of chapter service in Orange County in 2007, and more than 125 years of service in America. The American Red Cross of Orange County is a unique, community-based network focused on helping people prepare for and respond to emergencies. The chapter provides disaster and client services, health & safety services, service to the Armed Forces, international humanitarian services and volunteer, youth, and community outreach services, and is a partner with the American Red Cross Blood Services Southern California Region. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work. To learn more about the Orange County Red Cross, visit www.oc-redcross.org or call 714/481-5300.
