Posted on July 9, 2008 by maryettaboesl
Organizing and executing a fundraiser to help children in third world countries is not an easy task, but the students of the Columbia High School International Club in White Salmon, Washington, did it and did it well. Using determination, hard work and community partners, these students banded together to raise funds for the American Red Cross International Measles Initiative.
The International Club at Columbia High School first learned of this initiative because their teacher, Shirlee Jellum and her husband, Tom, are volunteers for the Columbia River District of the Oregon Mountain River Chapter (Bend). Jellum brought a guest speaker from the Red Cross to the class and the fundraiser was sparked there. Students then came together to help raise money for the Measles Initiative. These students worked throughout their school raising funds and then turned to the community for help.
The Big River Diner in Bingen allowed students to wait tables one evening and use the tips for the fundraiser. They earned over $500. The students also participated in the HUGS Fair in White Salmon where they raised money and Hood River’s Small Planet became a project partner and gave a percentage of their sales for a day. In a little more than three months time, the students had raised more than $730.
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Posted on July 7, 2008 by redcrossyouth
Over the weekend, the Red Cross issued a call for blood donation. The donor base is down, but on any given day, an average of 39,000 units of red blood cells are needed for patients in the United States. Blood helps cancer patients, surgical and trauma patients, burn victims, people with blood disorders, and many others. Age is not a determining factor. Blood can help a newborn infant or someone’s grandmother.
To give blood, you must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health. Some states allow 16-year-olds to give blood with parental consent. If you have given blood before, it must be at least 56 days since your last donation.
For more information, or to find a blood or platelet donation opportunity, call the Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE LIFE, or visit www.givelife.org.
Filed under: Biomedical, Recruitment | Tagged: Blood, Donation, Give Life | No Comments »
Posted on July 2, 2008 by redcrossyouth
Posted on July 1, 2008 by redcrossyouth
In our ongoing quest to expand the resources section of this blog, we’d like to announce an opportunity to work with a volunteer team to compile Red Cross club, Leadership Development Camp and other information. The initiative was started and is being spearheaded by Texas volunteer James Norris. If you are interested in joining the project team, contact the blog administrator for more information.
Filed under: Chapter, Leadership, Recruitment | No Comments »
Posted on June 27, 2008 by redcrossyouth
WASHINGTON, Thursday, June 26, 2008 — The American Red Cross response to massive flooding across the Central United States, combined with ongoing relief operations for tornadoes and other disasters since April 1, will cost the organization at least $30 million, according to latest estimates. The Red Cross is mounting its largest relief effort since the response to Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma in 2005, surpassing the Southern California wildfires of 2007.
At the same time, a badly depleted Disaster Relief Fund means that the organization is borrowing funds to make up the difference between this cost and donations made to the fund. To date, individuals and companies have graciously contributed more than $13 million in donations and pledges. Others wishing to support the Red Cross with this and future disaster responses are encouraged to call 1-800-REDCROSS, visit redcross.org, or donate on Facebook.
Click here to view the full article.
Download this document to learn how your donations help disaster victims.
Filed under: Disaster, Fundraiser, National Headquarters, Press | Tagged: Disaster Relief Fund, Disaster Response, Fire, Flood, Red Cross, Tornado | No Comments »
Posted on June 25, 2008 by Manpreet Kalra
Though we all love having some time off, many times summer break leads to Red Cross Clubs and Safe Rides losing their momentum. Here are some suggestions on how to keep your volunteers involved regardless of the shining sun and hot weather!
Retaining Members:
- Provide club members with opportunities to work with the chapter. Most chapters LOVE to get an extra hand here and there. Being a summer volunteer can be a great opportunity for members and will help you keep them involved. Many times after working at the chapter as a summer volunteer, members are aware of so many other projects as well and are able to give back more to your team.
- Bonding activities such as an ice-cream party, lunch and outing are always fun! Just because its the summer and you aren’t in school doesn’t mean you can’t meet with your team members! This is in fact the best time to bond and many times introduce members to new officers/coordinators. (Also, don’t forget to thank your outgoing leaders and members!)
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Posted on June 24, 2008 by Jessica Mueller
As of July 1st my chapter will be expanding by 6 counties, taking over operations of a CSDU that spans all the way to the North Dakota border. What’s more, this is all occurring as I am being elected chairman of the board of directors. All I can say is bring it on! And am I prepared? Well, no… I’m not quite sure what to expect. No one is.
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Posted on June 23, 2008 by redcrossyouth
National Celebrity Cabinet Member Raven-Symone is featured on the premiere episode of Celebrity Family Feud. Tune in to NBC on June 24 from 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. ET to watch Raven-Symone compete in this classic quizzer against Wayne Newton to win money for American Red Cross. Team Raven shows support, along with her family, by wearing the Red Cross vintage t-shirts. The website will also feature a link to www.RedCross.org during the premiere. The new “Celebrity Family Feud” is hosted by Al Roker and episodes will air prime time on Tuesdays through July. The July 15 episode will include former cabinet member Vivica A. Fox who also plays for the American Red Cross for a chance to win a grand prize of $50,000.
Filed under: National Headquarters, Press, Recruitment | Tagged: Raven Symone, Vivica Fox | No Comments »
Posted on June 23, 2008 by redcrossyouth
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is known – and sometimes criticized – for its confidential approach to dealing with sensitive issues, such as its work in places of detention and its efforts to ensure that the lives and dignity of civilians and other non-combatants are respected. Critics argue that the organization is too secretive and should share its findings publicly, especially when it comes to conditions of detention and treatment of prisoners. Proponents maintain that discreet dialogue is key to protecting and assisting those affected by conflict.
The ICRC firmly believes that confidentiality is an essential tool, which enables it to reach out and maintain access to people affected by insecurity, violence and armed conflict. Confidentiality is what allows the ICRC to build trust, open channels of communication and influence change. But, as the ICRC’s deputy director of operations, Dominik Stillhart, explains, confidentiality must be respected in order to be effective.
Filed under: International | Tagged: Red Cross, ICRC, confidentiality, POWs | No Comments »
Posted on June 20, 2008 by redcrossyouth
Dwayne “the artist formerly known as The Rock” Johnson is pictured here with Red Cross youth volunteer Liz Quintana at a recent ceremony in Washington, DC for youth receiving the Congressional Award Gold Medal. Congress grants these awards to youth through a noncompetitive program that recognizes sustained commitment to personal development, physical fitness, and service to the community.
Notice that Dwayne Johnson is wearing a Red Cross pin: he also serves as a member of the Red Cross celebrity cabinet!

Filed under: Press, Recruitment | Tagged: Congressional Award, celebrity cabinet, Dwayne Johnson, The Rock | No Comments »