(
(Orlando) On Monday, March 1,American Red Cross Mid-Florida Region C.E.O. Joel W. Hass recognized local Haitian churches, other non-profit organizations, government partners and volunteers who worked tirelessly during the repatriation relief efforts in the Orlando area during an awards ceremony at the Central Florida Chapter located at 5 N. Bumby Avenue, Orlando.
Honorees included Catholic Charities of Central Florida, Consulate of Haiti, Department of Children and Families, First Haitian Baptist Church of Orlando, Haitian Christian Academy of Orlando, Harvest Time International, Lutheran Services, Lynx, Orlando International Airport, Orlando Sanford International Airport, Seminole County Emergency Management, Seminole County Schools Transportation Department and the Transportation Safety Administration.
During the presentation, the Mid-Florida Region revealed $5.5 million have been raised so far for Haiti relief by the Central Florida community. Pending information from American Red Cross National Headquarters, the number is expected to increase.
Although major disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes and wildfires capture national media headlines, the day-to-day work of the Red Cross often takes place in local communities.
In January and February of 2010, the Mid-Florida Region:
· Responded to 114 local emergencies
· Assisted 333 people
· Gave more than $75,000 in financial assistance to clients.
“The Red Cross is there with help and hope when people need it most–and we are grateful for the public support that enables us to continue our work – down the street, across the country and around the world,” said Hass. “During Red Cross Month, we want to recognize the valuable supporters and partners whose generosity and commitment to community makes the work of the American Red Cross possible,” Hass added.
Red Cross Month is also a great time for people to get involved with the Red Cross by signing up for a CPR, first aid or other Red Cross course; giving a financial gift that can really save the day when the next disaster strikes, or getting involved as a volunteer. For more information on how to get started visit www.midfloridaredcross.org
# # #
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to survivors 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.midfloridaredcross.org.
