Red Cross makes history
Flying flag: Red Cross' Angela Anderson, Des Dowie, Ashly Haddick and Helene Hayes with Bass Coast Shire Council deputy mayor, Cr John Duscher.
HISTORY was made at Woorayl Golf Club in Leongatha today.
The last conference of Red Cross region 26 was held, before the region merges with region nine and becomes a zone from January 2013.
Region 26 now extends from Phillip Island to Welshpool, while region nine includes Warragul through to Traralgon.
Region 26 chairman Helene Hayes said the realignment would coincide with boundaries used by emergency services and would allow for more efficient operations.
Guest speakers Angela Anderson and Ashly Haddrick spoke about Red Cross’ tracing service, reuniting families divided by war and natural disasters.
Among their clients are asylum seekers and refugees, and cases originating from World War Two.
Over the past 12 months, region 26 members have raised more than $40,000 for Red Cross and Korumburra unit has recruited four members.
Red Cross members raise money for the organisation’s aide work, while others volunteer in emergencies, helping with catering for other services.
The organisation also operates a patient transport service at Foster and Wonthaggi, conveying people to medical appointments in Melbourne.
The Red Cross shop at Inverloch is a major fundraiser.
“The manager down there, Lorraine Scott, does a wonderful job. They just raise a phenomenal amount of money for Red Cross. It’s completely run and staffed by volunteers, many of whom are local members, particularly of Leongatha unit,” Ms Hayes said.
Red Cross’ Australian arm will mark its centenary in 2014. The organisation was started in the ball room of Government House in Melbourne, 11 days after the outbreak of World War One.
Short URL: /?p=4500
Posted by 
