(Syracuse, NY – March 2013) March is Red Cross Month, and Central New Yorkers can help support the American Red Cross by joining the “Heroes for the American Red Cross” campaign.
“Heroes” is a grassroots campaign where businesses, school clubs, church groups, civic organizations and individuals seek pledges to raise at least $1,000 for the American Red Cross Central New York Chapter, which includes Onondaga, Cayuga, Madison and Oswego counties.
The campaign will run through June, and the money raised will support Red Cross services, including disaster relief, assistance for fire victims, emergency military communications, and first aid, CPR and other lifesaving classes.
Individuals who want to usual social media to help raise money can become an “Online Hero” and utilize peer-to-peer fundraising with their own “Heroes for the American Red Cross” team.
During last year’s “Heroes” campaign, a 12-year-old girl recruited an online team that raised $1,000; an energy plant in Lycoming sold hero squares for $1 apiece and raised $1,100; and Oswego City School District teachers raised $1,600 during “Jeans Week,” when they paid to wear jeans for a day or the entire week.
To learn more about the “Heroes” program, contact Danielle Hayden, American Red Cross Oswego Branch Manager, at (315) 343-0967 or danielle.hayden@redcross.org. The campaign will culminate with a special night for all “Heroes” at a Syracuse Chiefs’ baseball game June 30 at Alliance Bank Stadium in Syracuse.
What Else?
In addition to the “Heroes” campaign, Central New York Chapter volunteers will celebrate Red Cross Month by marching and driving emergency response vehicles in the 31st annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 9 in Syracuse.
And later this month, the Central New York Chapter and Red Cross chapters throughout the Central New York Region will host “CPR Saturday” (the date and location will be announced soon). On “CPR Saturday,” residents will be able to take a free, 30-minute course to learn how to perform hands-only CPR. Following the course, local AmeriCorps members will host a 15-minute disaster preparedness presentation.
Why March?
March was first proclaimed as Red Cross Month 70 years ago by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Since 1943, every president, including President Obama, has designated March as Red Cross Month. The American Red Cross is synonymous with helping people, and has been doing so for more than 130 years.
The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters a year in this country, providing shelter, food, emotional support and other necessities to those affected. It also provides 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families – in war zones, military hospitals and on military installations around the world; collects and distributes about 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply; and trains more than seven million people in first aid, water safety and other life-saving skills every year.
In Onondaga, Cayuga, Madison and Oswego counties, the Central New York Chapter responded to 153 local emergencies, assisted 688 military members and their families, and trained 11,467 people in lifesaving skills in most recent fiscal year.
“Red Cross Month is a great time for people to become part of the Red Cross and there are many different ways to do it,” said Rosie Taravella, Chief Operating Officer of the American Red Cross Central New York Region. “They can develop a preparedness plan for their household, become a Red Cross volunteer, give blood, or take a Red Cross class, just to name a few.”
The Red Cross is not a government agency and relies on donations of time, money and blood to do its work. An average of 91 cents of every dollar given to the Red Cross is invested in helping people in need.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 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 www.redcross.org.
Wendy’s, Red Cross Team Up for Red Cross Month
Seventeen Wendy’s restaurants will support American Red Cross chapters throughout the Central New York Region by selling Red Cross squares for $1 each throughout Red Cross Month in March.
Patrons who visit participating Wendy’s restaurants in the Southern Tier, Central New York, Cortland County and Tompkins County can purchase the squares and the proceeds will go to the American Red Cross Southern Tier, Central New York, Cortland County and Tompkins County chapters. Wendy’s is also offering the squares at restaurants in the Elmira and Corning areas and those proceeds will benefit the Sullivan Trail and Greater Steuben Red Cross chapters.
Last year, Wendy’s customers raised $6,550 for the Red Cross by buying the squares, which are posted on the windows of the participating restaurants.
“We are honored to be the corporate sponsor of this event as we once again partner with the American Red Cross during Red Cross Month,” said Patsy Thatcher, Wendy’s Marketing Director. “By purchasing these Red Cross squares, you are helping to keep the Red Cross strong and ready to help you and your neighbor when disaster strikes.”
“Our goal is $5,000, and we know Wendy’s customers will once again help us reach that amount and hopefully exceed it the way we did last March,” said Susan Lee, Major Gifts Officer for the Red Cross Central New York Region.