RED CROSS V.A.D.

Press, Volume C, Issue 29516, 18 May 1961, Page 2

RED CROSS V.A.D.

Year's Work Reviewed

“We have begun 1961 with a drive to obtain more members, both V.A.D.’s and Link Cadets,” said the centre commandant (Miss M. Peate), at the annual meeting of the Voluntary Aid Detachment of the North Canterbury centre of the Red Cross Society. “As a result of publicity, we have had several inquiries, and we have some very keen prospects,” she said. The Leeston sub-centre has recently begun a first aid class, and several other subcentres have made inquiries about classes, says the report. All sessions of the blood transfusion service are attended by V.A.D.’s, and tea is made for the donors. During school holidays, Link Cadets give valuable service in tea-making, both at the hospital and on the mobile unit’s visits to country districts. Visits are paid regularly to seven 100 per cent, disabled pensioners in their homes, and gifts distributed. One V.A.D. acted as assistant matron at the Theresa Green home for elderly persons during the absence on holiday of the assistant matron. Blind and Aged Assistance is given with the Good Neighbour Service. Detachment members are also kept busy preparing meals. They carry out other duties for the aged and the blind, including shopping, collecting pensions, supplying transport, and assisting with appeals and functions arranged by the Red Cross Society. “The Link Cadets continue to hold their own. The membership has increased this year, and we are hoping for a further Increase,” says the report. In addition to their classes and training, they take an active part in Red Cross duties, helping in the creche at the hospital at week-ends, delivering meals, assisting with street collections, and serving teas at social functions. Members elected to the V.A.D. committee were:—Miss M. Peate (centre commandant), Miss M. Bruce (assistant centre commandant), Mesdames V. Teague, H. Thomson, E. Wise, M. Smith (nursing V.A.D. representatives). Miss F. Horrell (country detachments representative), Mrs R. I. Brake (centre president), Miss M. Bain (welfare detachment). Miss B. Thornton (link cadet officer), Miss T. Eldridge (Junior Red Cross), Mrs M. Sopp (reserve group).