Friday May 6th, 2011

Samoa, Canterbury, Queensland, Christchurch, Japan and Libya. As the world watched each of these crises evolve, staff, aid workers or volunteers from New Zealand Red Cross were there, in most cases among the first to respond. From providing first aid, water and food to those in need to staffing welfare centres, managing logistics or setting up communications, New Zealand Red Cross volunteers have been putting the community first for 80 years.

May 8 marks World Red Cross Red Crescent Day, an opportunity to recognise the volunteers who have selflessly helped the Red Cross support vulnerable people Fittingly this year also marks both the 10th anniversary of the International Year of the Volunteer and 80 years since New Zealand Red Cross became a national society.

New Zealand Red Cross National President Penny Mason said May 8 was a chance for Red Cross to celebrate the energy, commitment and caring of our 15,000 volunteers.

“It has been a season of disaster, with some of our volunteers barely returning from one disaster before being thrust into another, but they continually stepped up,” said Mrs Mason.

“For some they are often affected themselves, so the courage and sense of solidarity it takes to put one’s own difficulties aside and take action to help others is quite simply remarkable. Time and again, it’s the volunteers who roll up their sleeves, wrap a reassuring arm over the shoulder of a distressed neighbour and put their hearts into making things better.”

Today, one in every 2,000 people volunteer for a Red Cross or Red Crescent Society across the world; meaning nearly every community on the globe has a Red Cross or Red Crescent volunteer supporting it.

Gillian Peacock, New Zealand Red Cross People and Capability Manager said the social value that volunteers bring is incalculable, and even more far-reaching.

“Disasters will continue to happen, but one of the greatest resources we have in addressing these crises is our volunteers, and that’s why we’re using World Red Cross Red Crescent Day this year to pay tribute to their invaluable contribution.”

Volunteers don't just respond to emergencies.

“Volunteers offer their most precious resource – their time – to make a difference in their community and help people in need.

“Every year around New Zealand, thousands of volunteers enable Red Cross to deliver 750,000 hot meals, serve more than 285,000 breakfasts to hungry children and help people in need in New Zealand and overseas.

“Red Cross volunteers, we couldn’t do it without you. Thank you!”

For more information on World Red Cross Red Crescent Day or to find out more about how to volunteer for New Zealand Red Cross please visit www.redcross.org.nz or call 0800 RED CROSS 0800 733 276

ENDS

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