(Orlando) With March proclaimed as Red Cross Month, chapters within the Mid-Florida Region recognized and thanked supporters, partners and volunteers whose efforts enable the Red Cross to respond to disasters down the street, across the country and around the world. 

On Monday, March 1, the Central Florida Chapter, located at 5 N. Bumby Avenue in Orlando, hosted a kick-off event at 10:30 a.m. Regional CEO 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.

“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 – here at home and abroad,” 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.

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 Serives, Lynx, Orlando International Airport, Orlando Sanford International Airport, Seminole County Emergency Management, Seminole County Schools Transportation Department and the Transportation Safety Administration.

The Red Cross touches the lives of millions of people every year through its network of 34,000 employees and more than 600,000 volunteers in more than 2,000 locations across the United States and more than 30 countries around the world.

The Red Cross provides shelter, food, comfort and hope to survivors of nearly 70,000 disasters each year; helps prepare communities for emergencies; is the largest single provider of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills to more than 5 million people a year; supports military members and their families, and provides international humanitarian aid.

The Red Cross has responded following the Haiti earthquake in January, working to turn despair into hope. The Red Cross is in Haiti now – and is also here in Central Florida for families who need assistance recovering from a disaster.

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 the past year, the Mid-Florida region responded to 840 local emergencies, assisted 3,558 military families and trained 56,124 people in lifesaving skills. 

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.