THE “ROLL CALL”

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 48, 1 March 1946, Page 4

THE “ROLL CALL”

RED CROSS MEMBERSHIP APPEAL FOR WIDER INTEREST Today the N.Z. Red Cross Society opens, its “Roll Call” campaign for increased membership. For six long years the International Red Cross has been to thousands of prisoners of war, and starving, homeless victims of the savagery of armed conflict, the . only light in their darkness. The N.Z. Red Cross Society is) proud to be part of International Red Cross.

The Society’s members, over the war years have made and distributed comforts to hospitals, packed prisoner of war parcels, helped next-of-kin, and shown hospitality to Allied servicemen. They have sent thousands of garments for relief overseas, and cases of food to Britain. The V.A.D. have staffed hospitals and Casualty Clearing Stations, they have gone overseas to serve in battle areas. The Transport Section have driven millions of miles, using their own cars.

The Joint Council of the OOrder of St. John and the N.Z. Red Cross Society, as part of the Red Cross organisation, was made responsible for the sick and wounded and prisoners of war. Through its efforts food and clothing parcels, and next-of-kin parcels reached prisoners

through the International Red Cross. Thousands of pairs of pyjamas, socks bedsocks, pullovers, bed jackets and roles of bandages were supplied to sick and wounded men.

Early in the war the formation, of the Patriotic Fund Board took away from the Society and the Joint Council the right to raise and expend their own funds. All sums raised or donated for prisoners of war, or sick and wounded were handed over to the Patriotic Fund. Red Cross Centres raised considerable sums for Patriotic. This is the record. Now the Red Cross Society faces its peaeeime work. The spirits of Death and Desolation still stalk abroad in war ravaged lands. For a long time yet the Red Cross will need to send aid to the starving people overseas. The Society must also build up health work in its own country, and take a full share in the work of the International Red Cross it represents. The Red Cross Society asks you to help by becoming a member. All you need is half a crown and a heart. WILL YOU ?