Red Cross act locally and globally

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 8, Issue 381, 9 April 1991, Page 5

Red Cross act locally and globally

This article was submitted for publication by the local red cross group The New Zealand Red Cross Society is part of the world wide organisation which focuses on disaster and war relief and any issue of humanitarian concern anywhere in the world. The organisation is also involved on a local level, providing first aid training and welfare.

This week is the annual Red Cross week for New Zealand, with the local Waimarino branch taking part on a local level. Recently, the Red Cross has had a high profile in world events. During the Gulf war the Red Cross was involved in monitoring medical supplies, overseeing conditions in prisoner of war camps and assisting displaced persons and refugees in the war zone. Now the war is over, the Red Cross is still involved in arranging the release of prisoners of war and seeking help for the civilians affected by the fighting on both sides of the conflict. The International Red Cross has also been involved in famine relief in Africa and in all major global disasters during the last year. In the Waimarino, the major roles of the Red cross are in first aid training and in welfare in liaison with CiviL Defence. During the last

year, a number of first aid courses have been held in the district for local people. A new revised first aid course has been introduced to meet the needs of the 1990s

and training equipment has been upgraded. A number of training and teaching exercises have been held in conjunction with Civil Defence, most of these involving local schools. During Red Cross Week the organisation holds its annual appeal. It is the only major fundraising activity the local branch has and any money collected is either used in the Waimarino or sent where

needed to support other New Zealanders in times of need or to support some International projects where New Zealanders are involved. Money used locally is used to benefit local people. The local branch is looking for any volunteers who may wish to help with the appeal or become involved in the work of the Red Cross in the Waimarino. If you would like to help, please call Nigel or Shelagh Buck on 58610.