Red Cross helps us all — they deserve our suport

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 43, 8 April 1986, Page 11

Red Cross helps us all — they deserve our suport

The week of 6-12 April marks Red Cross week. Up and down the country people are being made more aware of the work of Red Cross. Red Cross week culminates with the annual appeal on Saturday 12 April. Red Cross was founded in New Zealand in 1931, replacing a branoh of British Red Cross which had been operating here since the outbreak of the First World War.

Today there are some 45,000 members nationally, including 15,000 youth members who belong to 33 centres with over 300 branches. In 1939 or thereabouts Red Cross became active in the Waimarino. They were involved in rodeos, show days, sporting fixtures and field days. Hygiene and first aid courses were started with certificates given to those who successfully completed the courses. Some of those involved in the early days included W. P. Mead (first secretary), Reg Sigley, George Chan, Albert Ward, Jimmy Blackburn and Violet Eastman, a few of whom still live in the Waimarino. Red Cross has the mandate to provide clothing in the case of a civil emergency

and can provide bedding whenever needed. A bedding bank is maintained for such needs. First aid posts are provided on the northern and southern motorways plus first aid kits in approved areas. Once a year a first aid course, which is currently being run in Raetihi for eight weeks, teaches the basics of first aid treatment. It is hoped to increase the number of courses, thUs equipping more people in the home, work place and sports field. One area in which Red Cross has recently been

effective is in emergency feeding. Meals were provided for those involved in a search of Mt Ruapehu and also during the recent search and rescue exercise. During the week beginning 4 August Mary Anne Burrell of the Heart Foundation will be in our area and is available to speak to interested groups. All in all 1986 will be a year of greater community awareness and involvement in Red Cross work in the Waimarino. Don't forget Saturday 12 April is Red Cross annual appeal day.