Red Cross Offers Tips on How to Have a Safe Memorial Day Weekend

Posted on May 25, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Region

Memorial Day weekend is just ahead and for many it may mean taking to the highway for a quick vacation, breaking out the grill for some outdoor cooking, or taking that first dip in the pool. The American Red Cross offers some safety tips to help everyone have a great weekend.

“The Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer and we want everyone to enjoy it,” said Steve Hansen, the local Chapter Executive. “There are steps people can take to help stay safe while they have fun over the holiday weekend.”

DRIVE SAFELY With many people traveling over the holiday weekend, it’s more important than ever to drive safely. People should be well rested and alert, use their seat belts, observe speed limits and follow the rules of the road. If anyone plans on drinking alcohol, they should designate a driver who won’t be drinking.

Other tips for a safe trip include:

  • Drivers should give full attention to the road.  Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
  • Leave ample room when behind other vehicles.
  • Use caution in work zones.
  • Make frequent stops when traveling long distances.
  • Clean the vehicle’s lights and windows, especially at night.
  • Turn the vehicle’s headlights on as dusk approaches, or during inclement weather.
  • Use high beams on rural roads unless approaching or following a vehicle.

SAFE GRILLING The onset of grilling season often results in injuries and fires due to careless cooking practices. The Red Cross offers steps people can follow to help stay safe while enjoying those tasty cookout treats:

  • Never grill indoors.
  • Always supervise a grill when in use, and make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.
  • Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
  • Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill.
  • Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
  • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using grills.
  • Be ready to close the lid and turn off the grill to cut off the fuel if necessary.
  • Keep a fireproof pan under the grill to catch any falling ash or grease.

WATER SAFETY Learning to swim is one of the best steps someone can take to be comfortable and safe around water. People can contact their local aquatic facilities to get information about Red Cross swimming classes. Home Pool Essentials (homepoolessentials.org) is an online safety course for pool and hot tub owners.

Other safety tips include:

  • Swim only in designated areas supervised by lifeguards. Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
  • Prevent unsupervised access to the water. Install and use barriers around your home pool or hot tub.
  • Maintain constant supervision. Always stay within arm’s reach of young children even when lifeguards are present.
  • Know what to do in an emergency. If a child is missing, check the water first. Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
  • Have appropriate rescue equipment, a phone, life jackets and a first aid kit near the pool.

For full information on how to be prepared and to help stay safe this summer, visit redcross.org.

About the Northeast WI Chapter:

The Northeast Wisconsin Chapter serves 20 counties with a mission to prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters. To learn more about local Red Cross programs, volunteer opportunities, and how you can help, contact the Chapter headquarters at 920-231-3590 or visit www.NEWRedCross.org. Find us on facebook.com/newredcross, twitter.com/newredcross, the local blog is newredcrossblog.org and Chapter photos are at flickr.com/photos/newredcross.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies more than 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

 

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No injuries in former Niagara mill fire

Posted on May 24, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Region
 
NIAGARA, Wis. – Marinette County officials have released information in regards to a structure fire at the former Niagara mill.

A 9-1-1 call from a worker at the former mill reporting that the structure was on fire was received by Marinette County Dispatch at 8:48 a.m. today.

Niagara Fire Department was dispatched. Mutual aid was requested almost immediately from Aurora Fire Department, followed by Breitung Township Fire, Beecher-Dunbar-Pembine Fire and Florence Fire Department.

Niagara Police Department provided traffic control and scene security.

All workers were safely evacuated from the plant and no injuries were reported, according to Marinette County Emergency Management officials.

The property is owned by Niagara Development.

The buildings on the property are owned by American Iron & Metal (AIM), Macedonia, Ohio. Sub-contractors were conducting demolition work, cutting a section of roof on the east end of the mill.

The roof caught fire and spread quickly throughout the east end.

Niagara Fire Chief Shawn Brown said the fire was well under control by 12:30 p.m.

“However, city wells were depleted by the volume of water being pumped. Operations are being scaled down at this time,” he said. “Fire crews remain on scene to monitor hot spots.”

American Red Cross NE Wisconsin Region sent a team to provide food and water for responders.

Other agencies responding were Niagara Area Emergency Unit, Marinette County Sheriff Department and Marinette County Emergency Management.

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Wautoma 7th & 8th grade Spring Dance Raises $329 for Red Cross

Posted on May 23, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Region

The Annual 7th & 8th grade Spring Dance was recently held at St. Joe’s Parish Hall in Wautoma.  G.L.A.D. (God Loves All Denominations) organizes two dances in the fall and two dances in the spring.  A fee is charged and all the money raised is given to a charity that will benefit residents in Waushara County. 

The money raised from this most recent dance is being given to the local American Red Cross to be used for Adult Comfort Kits.  Containing personal hygiene items such as soap, washcloth, shaver, toothbrush, and toothpaste; these kits are given to adults after disasters such as residential fires, storms, floods, etc. 

The American Red Cross wishes to especially thank Nancy Reilly, DJ Sonny and all the adult chaperones. 

Pictured L to R: Noah Minster, Michael Bitney, Gabe Minster, Vicki Jenks (Red Cross volunteer), Luis Ortega, Timmy Rabideau, Sabrina Locke, and Makaela Fenske

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Local restaurant owners participate in ‘Dine for Disaster’

Posted on May 18, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Region

By: Erin Davisson WFRV-TV 5

Green Bay, WI–(WFRV)– Dozens of local restaurant owners participated Thursday in the Dine for Disaster program. More than 170 participating restaurants will donate a portion of the May 17th sales, and collect customer’s financial donations to benefit local disaster relief and community disaster prevention efforts of the American Red Cross.

 While the Red Cross responds to big disasters such as floods, hurricane, tornadoes each year, but the most frequent threat people face is a fire in their own home! Last year, Chapters responded to nearly 63,000 fires. That’s one every eight minutes! In each case, we meet with the victims and assess their needs – often while still standing on the street while their home burns or smolders in smoke. Based on their needs, we provide a warm place to sleep, food to eat, infant supplies, we can replace medications, glasses, etc and we provide compassion, a recovery plan and hope to all disaster victims.

Nathan and Marcia Haupt of Schreiner’s Restaurant in Fond du Lac and Pat Beimborn of Los Banditos Restaurants in Green Bay are spearheading Dine for Disaster with their fellow restaurateurs.

The Haupts’ and Beimborns’ recognize the American Red Cross is always there in an emergency, and they are honored to support them on the local level. “Through Dine for Disaster, local restaurants are in a position tosupport the local Red Cross Chapter,while providing our guests withan opportunity to socialize,enjoytheir favorite meal, and know they’re helping others in the process,” Nathan Haupt said.”It’s a win-win situation,with the community as a whole benefiting. We’re proud to be part a community where businesses that are thought to be competitors are always willing to work together for the greater good.”

Beimborn agrees and is participating because it is a chance to support the work that the Red Cross does in the community. “We at Los Banditos feel it is a great way to say ‘Thank You’ to the community for their support by helping give back to an organization like the Red Cross that helps our neighbors’ right here in Green Bay and throughout Northeast Wisconsin when disaster strikes.”
For information on participating restaurants, head to the website for the American Red Cross of Northeastern Wisconsin.

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Dine For Disaster “Heroes” Announced

Posted on May 17, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Region
Restaurants & Patrons Pair Taste-buds and Disaster Relief Together

This event – Dine for Disaster – invites patrons to simply eat-out at participating restaurants on Thursday, May 17, 2012. More than 180 participating restaurants will donate a portion of the day’s sales and collect customer’s financial donations to benefit local disaster relief and community disaster prevention efforts of the American Red Cross.

 While the Red Cross responds to big disasters such as floods, hurricane, tornadoes each year, but the most frequent threat people face is a fire in their own home! Last year, Chapters responded to nearly 63,000 fires. That’s one every eight minutes!  In each case, we meet with the victims and assess their needs – often while still standing on the street while their home burns or smolders in smoke. Based on their needs, we provide a warm place to sleep, food to eat, infant supplies, we can replace medications, glasses, etc and we provide compassion, a recovery plan and hope to all disaster victims.

Nathan and Marcia Haupt of  Schreiner’s Restaurant  in Fond du Lac and Pat Beimborn of Los Banditos  in Green Bay are spearheading Dine for Disaster with their fellow restaurateurs.

The Haupts’ and Beimborns’ recognize the American Red Cross is always there in an emergency, and they are honored to support them on the local level. “Through Dine for Disaster, local restaurants are in a position to support the local Red Cross Chapter, while providing our guests with an opportunity to socialize, enjoy their favorite meal, and know they’re helping others in the process,” Nathan Haupt said. “It’s a win-win situation, with the community as a whole benefiting. We’re proud to be part a community where businesses that are thought to be competitors are always willing to work together for the greater good.”

Beimborn agrees and is participating because it is a chance to support the work that the Red Cross does in the community. “We at Los Banditos feel it is a great way to say ‘Thank You’ to the community for their support by helping give back to an organization like the Red Cross that helps our neighbors’ right here in Green Bay and throughout Northeast Wisconsin when disaster strikes.”

For the second year, Society Insurance is the corporate sponsor for Dine for Disaster.

 Participating Restaurants on May 17, 2012

Listed by County 

BROWN  
Graystone Ale House De Pere
Gyro Kabobs De Pere
The Abbey De Pere
1951 Green Bay
Allouez Café Green Bay
Bay Family Restaurant Green Bay
Big Tomatoes Green Bay
Kavarna / Parisi’s Green Bay
Legends Green Bay
Los Banditos East Green Bay
Los Banditos West Green Bay
Mackinaws Grill & Spirits Green Bay
River’sBendSteak & Seafood Green Bay
St. Brendan’sInn Green Bay
The Bar Of Green Bay Green Bay
The Bar OnHolmgren Way Green Bay
Timsan’s Green Bay
Titletown Brewing Co Green Bay
Zesty’s Frozen Custard Green Bay
Zesty’s Frozen Custard Green Bay
Zesty’s Frozen Custard Howard – Suamico
CALUMET & DODGE  
Cobblestone Creek Dining & Banquet Brillion
Triple J Wing & Clay Woodfire Grill Brillion
Terra Verde Coffee Chilton
Outpost Pub & Provisions Sherwood
The Cliffs of Sherwood LLC Sherwood
The Granary Supper Club Sherwood
DOOR  
Bailey’s Harbor Cornerstone Pub BaileysHarbor
White Gull Inn Fish Creek
Chamfered Center  (Maxsells) Florence
Joe Jo’s Pizza & Gelato SisterBay
FOND DU LAC  
EdenCafé & Eden’s Grill Eden
A&W All-American Food Fond du Lac
BackYard Grill & Bar Fond du Lac
Bagelmeister Fond du Lac
Boda’s Restaurant Fond du Lac
Cibo Steaks & Spirits Fond du Lac
Domino’s Pizza Fond du Lac
Duffy’s Sports Pub & Steak Fond du Lac
Faros Family Restaurant Fond du Lac
Fazoli’s Fond du Lac
Friar Tucks Fond du Lac
Gilles Frozen Custard Fond du Lac
Gino’s Italian Restaurant Fond du Lac
Main Exchange Fond du Lac
Mancino’s Pizza & Grinders Fond du Lac
Nick & Willy’s Pizza Fond du Lac
Parrot Palms Fond du Lac
Philly’s-on-4th Fond du Lac
Pockets Fond du Lac
Rocky Rococo Pizza & Pasta Fond du Lac
Salty’s Seafood & Spirits Fond du Lac
Schreiner’s Restaurant Fond du Lac
Season’s Restaurant Fond du Lac
Sebastian’s Steak House Fond du Lac
Sunset Supper Club & Lounge Fond du Lac
The Coliseum Fond du Lac
VillaPalermoCafé Fond du Lac
Goose Blind Grill & Bar GreenLake
Blanck’s Supper Club Malone
Jim & Linda’s Lakeview Supper Club Malone
Lantern’s Markesan
Reilly’s Pub Markesan
Dave & Brenda’s Idlewile Inn Saint Cloud
Wendt’s On TheLake Van Dyne
Helen’s Kitchen Waupun
Tony’s Pizza Waupun
KEWAUNEE & MANITOWOC  
Al Corso Restaurant Collins
Cedars Resort Kiel
Billy’s onMain Luxemburg
A&W Restaurant Manitowoc
Big Apple Bagel Manitowoc
Four Seasons Family Restaurant Manitowoc
Friar Tucks Manitowoc
Luigi’s Italian Restaurant Manitowoc
Schooners Restaurant Manitowoc
Subway (3 Locations) Manitowoc
The Courthouse Pub Manitowoc
Time Out Sports Bar & Grill Manitowoc
Tony’s Pizza Manitowoc
Subway Mishicot
Luigi’s Italian Restaurant Two Rivers
Subway Two Rivers
MARINETTE, MARQUETTE & MENOMINEE  
Cousins Subs Crivitz
Figaros Crivitz
King Buffet Marinette
Lauerman House Inn Marinette
Victorian Inn Marinette
Peshtigo Corral Peshtigo
OUTAGAMIE  
B.J. Clancy’s Restaurant & Pub Appleton
Cinder’s Charcoal Grill Appleton
Cinder’s West Appleton
Culver’s of Darboy Appleton
GingeRootz Asian Grille Appleton
Mark’sEast Side Appleton
Rocky Rococo Pizza & Pasta Appleton
Schreiner’s Diner Appleton
Stone Cellar Brewpub Appleton
Super Bowl Appleton
Chute Inn Family Restaurant Suring
SHAWANO & SHEBOYGAN  
   
Mary’s Country Grove Cedar Grove
Braun’s Ranch ElkhartLake
Subway Howards Grove
Culver’s ofPlymouth Plymouth
Subway Plymouth
Sweet Basil Plymouth
Five Pillars RandomLake
Al & Al’s Stein Haus Sheboygan
Angie’sMainCafé & The Daily Grind Shawano
Majerles Black River Grill Shebogyan
Frankie’s Pub and Grill Sheboygan
HighlandHouse Sheboygan
Subway (2 Locations) Sheboygan
TexasRoadhouse Sheboygan
SOUTHEAST WI COUNTIES  
McDonald’s Caledonia
Wayne’s Drive-in Cedarburg
Emperor’s Kitchen Delafield
Pacific Bistro Delafield
The Barley Pop Pub & Restaurant Germantown
Flipside Café & Grill Grafton
Hank’s Restaurant & Drinkery (Hammerin’ Hanks) Hartford
Hartland Inn Hartland
TexasRoadhouse Kenosha
Gateway Café Kewaskum
Hog’s & Kisses Lake Geneva
Popeye’s OnLake Geneva Lake Geneva
Chancery Pub & Restaurant Mequon
Ferrante’s Mequon
Libby Montana Bar & Grill Mequon
Karma Bar & Grill Milwaukee
No No’s Newburg
Wildman Adventure Resort Niagara
Moe’s Southwest Grill Pewaukee
Piano Blu Pewaukee
Victor’sPier StreetShanty Port Washington
McDonald’s (5 Locations) Racine
Local Folks Slades Corner
Coachman House Supper Club West Bend
Daddy’s Dog House West Bend
The Poplar Inn LLC West Bend
WAUPACA & WAUSHARA  
Chain OLakesAdventures Waupaca
ClearWaterHarbor Waupaca
Domino’s Pizza Waupaca
Hahn-A-Lula Fremont
The Silvercryst Wautoma
WINNEBAGO  
Luigi’s Pizza Menasha
Menasha Grill Menasha
Mihm’s Charcoal Grill Menasha
Culver’s ofNeenah Neenah
Dairy Queen Neenah
Dairy Queen Neenah
Ground Round Restaurant Neenah
Remington’s (Holiday Inn) Neenah
Under the Dome Sports Bar & Grill Neenah
Ardy & Ed’s Drive-In Oshkosh
Benvenuto’s Italian Restaurant Oshkosh
Cranky Pat’s Pizzaeria & Pub Oshkosh
Domino’s Pizza Oshkosh
Domino’s Pizza Oshkosh
Friar Tuck’s Oshkosh
La Sure’s Oshkosh
Lara’s Tortilla Flats Oshkosh
Leon’s Frozen Custard Oshkosh
Mike’s Place Family Restaurant Oshkosh
Planet Perk Café Oshkosh
PlaneviewTravelPlaza Oshkosh
Primo Oshkosh
Robbins Restaurant Oshkosh
Rocky Rococo Pizza & Pasta Oshkosh
TheBrooklynGrill Oshkosh
The Roxy Oshkosh
Woodeye’s Bar & Grill Winneconne

About Local Chapters:

The Northeast Wisconsin Chapter serves 20-counties throughout northeast Wisconsin and the Michigan boarder communities. To learn more about Red Cross programs, volunteer opportunities, and how you can help, contact your local office or the regional headquarters at 920-231-3590. We can also online at www.NEWRedCross.org on Facebook (American Red Cross – Northeast Wisconsin Region), Twitter (NEWRedCross) and our blog (newredcrossblog.org).

The Southeast Wisconsin Chapter of the American Red Cross serves eight counties with a mission to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. To learn more about Red Cross programs, volunteer opportunities, and how you can help, contact the Chapter at 414-342-8680 or visit RedCrossInSeWIS.org on the web, twitter.com/RedCrossSeWi and facebook.com/RedCross.SoutheastWI

 About the American National Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

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Fire Department Brat Fry for Red Cross

Posted on May 15, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Region

Presenting a check for $3,450.49 to Sherry Holmes of the American Red Cross is Chief Peter O’Leary (left) and Firefighter Jason Roberts. 

The Fond du Lac Fire Department and the Fond du Lac Firefighter Local 400 sponsored their 8th annual brat fry to benefit disaster services provided by the local American Red Cross Chapter in Northeast Wisconsin.  At every disaster the Red Cross is there, providing basic needs including food, shelter, emotional support and comfort kits at no cost for those affected by the disaster. The Red Cross also supports emergency response workers by providing food and beverages at the scene of the disaster.

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Drawn in: Appleton volunteer grows relationship with Red Cross

Posted on May 14, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Region
Written by Linda Dums For The Post-Crescent

Emily Henderson of Appleton has volunteered with the Red Cross for four years and serves on the board of directors. / Graham Washatka/The Post-Crescent

Emily Henderson remembers being involved with the American Red Cross as a young teen taking babysitting courses.

While attending Lawrence University in Appleton, Henderson, 26, got involved with the American Red Cross in northeast Wisconsin through CPR and AED classes she took due to her role as an athletic trainer. “I think the Red Cross is an organization that everybody benefits from,” said the Appleton resident, noting everything from the health and safety programs to the work the chapter does with the Armed Forces and emergency communications. “All of the different aspects of the community that they touch is very important,” she said, adding that in a recent annual report, the Red Cross educated 50,000 individuals in the community. “It’s amazing how much they help the community and I think it’s a very important aspect,” she said.

When Henderson was a student at Lawrence, she started up her own summer marketing internship with the Red Cross. “I worked to standardize all of the different brochures that the chapter had,” she said. She also created materials the instructors could hand out to the people they were teaching.

Henderson said she started the internship because she wanted to learn more about the Red Cross. “I was just interested in learning more about it and perhaps helping out,” she said. She also gained many connections through the marketing internship. She left Appleton for a couple years but when she returned, she connected again with the Red Cross and started a marketing committee until they moved to a regionalized structure.

Henderson, who works at Kimberly Clark in Neenah and is getting her masters degree in business administration in managing and marketing at Concordia University, has been involved with the Red Cross’ Soup’s On fundraiser and the Clara Barton Society. In 2010, Henderson joined the board of directors. She recently signed up with the disaster action team. “I think it would be interesting to see that aspect of the organization,” she said, adding that the Red Cross deals mostly providing assistance to those affected by a house fire. “I have an interest in all that.”

Henderson enjoys volunteering. She also helps at the Emergency Shelter of the Fox Valley and is an Advisory Board Chair for Kappa Alpha Theta at Lawrence University. “Volunteering really improves somebody’s life,” she said. “I think if everybody could volunteer just one hour, what that would do for the Fox Cities is pretty amazing.”

Chapter executive Steve Hansen said the chapter relies on volunteers like Henderson. “As a member of our newly consolidated Chapter board, Emily has set a leadership example for others to follow in our community, and we are deeply grateful for her commitment to provide American Red Cross services to anyone in need,” he said. “Through her support of our special event fundraisers, our local chapter will be ready to answer the call — whether it is for lifesaving health and safety training, disaster relief assistance or community programs to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.”
— For volunteer information, call the American Red Cross in Northeast Wisconsin’s Appleton office at 920-733-4481.

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Woodland Elementary Getting Prepared!

Posted on May 11, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Region
Thank you to volunteers & staff for providing disaster education to the students at Woodland Elementary, in Kingsford, MI & for the student raising money for the Red Cross at their “Walk for Victims” Friday” event.
 
 

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Reflection on the Operation Greatest Generation

Posted on May 9, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Region

By John Kost, Service to the Armed Forces Regional Manager

Jerry Prellwitz and John Kost in their WWII era American Red Cross uniforms.

American Red Cross Service to Armed Forces (SAF) attended Operation Greatest Generation at the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay Friday May 4th.  Operation Greatest Generation was a State of Wisconsin organized event to thank World War 2 Veterans their service.  Our role last Friday was to provide Canteen Service- a service American Red Cross SAF is historically known for and still continues to this day.Dressed in Red Cross era uniforms of the day, canteen service was provided at the train depot for the arriving and departing veterans and their families.  For all Red Crossers working it was memorable day listening to the veterans share stories of how Red Cross helped them, and how it must of felt at that time to be serving the many your soldiers, sailors, marines, and airman during the warDid you know the canteen corps of Red Cross during the war provided 163 million cups of coffee, 254 million doughnuts, and 121 million meals with a staff as large as 105,571 volunteers.  Many more services, almost long and forgottten, were provided during this time.To learn more about Red Cross during World War 2 visit the Red Cross Museum at: www.redcross.org/museum/history/ww2a.asp.

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World Red Cross Red Crescent Day: Happy Birthday to Henry Dunant

Posted on May 8, 2012 by American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Region

By Tamara Braunstein – May 7, 2012

Monday, May 07, 2012 — Imagine a plain piece of paper laid out before you. Imagine you crumple it up into a ball. Imagine you try to smooth it back out. Can you do it?

With this simple activity, Bonnie Lu, International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Educator for the Wabash Valley Red Cross chapter in Indiana, demonstrates to hundreds of students each year the way their actions impact others.

For the past six years, Bonnie has hosted a birthday party at Chauncey Rose Middle School in honor of World Red Cross Red Crescent Day and Henry Dunant, the founder of the largest global humanitarian network, born May 8, 1828.

To celebrate Dunant’s legacy and vision, sixth grade students gather in the cafeteria to sing “Happy Birthday” and share cupcakes as they learn about the importance of human dignity, the history of the Red Cross, and the impact their own choices can make in the world.

Bonnie even includes a message about the effects of bullying: Just as they aren’t able to remove the wrinkles from their crumpled sheets of paper, how they treat people can have lingering results on others.

“Dunant had a vision of an organization that would focus on humanity and human dignity. The idea for this whole movement came from one man, which shows us that one person can make a difference. This is why I teach about human dignity, because if I can help just one child, my time is well spent,” Bonnie says.

Happy 184th birthday to Henry Dunant, founder of the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network.

Aside from the birthday party, Bonnie has reached almost 500 students this year alone with her IHL instruction. And while activities for World Red Cross Red Crescent Day vary with each year, country and chapter, May 8 is an ever-powerful reminder of our global Fundamental Principles.

This year’s theme of “Youth on the Move” presents a welcome opportunity to recognize the efforts of the millions of youth and young adult volunteers – they make up about half of our volunteer base of 13 million people – around the world. In the United States alone, about 25 percent of American Red Cross volunteers are ages 24 or younger.

The American Red Cross is dedicated to supporting leadership development and recognizing the importance of youth volunteerism. From the summer internship program, to the National Youth Council and every day service opportunities, young volunteers make up a significant part of the organization’s rich history and development.

To find out more about how you can become involved as a young volunteer for the American Red Cross, visit www.redcross.org/youth.

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