Red Cross needs members

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 19, 7 October 1986, Page 5

Red Cross needs members

The Waimarino branch of the Red Cross held their annual general meeting recently and a new committee was appointed. Patron of the society is George Chan. Committee members elected were, chairman Nigel Buck, secretary Shelagh Buck, treasurer Lyn Fetzer, welfare officer Sue Kumeroa, and members Kevin Martin and Nina Hemara. The branch has had a very busy year, involved in the running of three successful first aid courses around the region, as well as being responsible for a week-long visit by Maryanne Burrell from the National Heart Foundation in Wellington who spoke in schools and other organisations. Red Cross aSsisted with

the mammoth task of catering for and accommodating the many search and rescue volunteers in the search for a lost boy earlier in the year. This was described as being "one of the greater challenges but also one of the high points of the year." Chairman Nigel Buck said that 1986 had been the most active year in the Waimarino society's seven year history, and expressed gratitude for the help and support that the group had received from the community in that time. It was noted that this year Red Cross has taken a more active role in civil defence programmes in the area, as more people become aware of potential hazards. In i July, welfare officer Sue Kumeroa attended a week

long CD course which was "very worthwhile." There are just seven members of the Waimarino Red Cross and the society desperately needs more. In the society's annual report, Mr Buck stated that many more volunteers were needed to take an active part in the group on a day-by-day basis and not just in cases of emergency. "The number of people who offer help when it is needed is high, but more people are needed for everyday activities and not just in times of need," he said. The branch needs more first aid and welfare personnel, as well as general helpers. "The current members work long and hard, and while they know their work is appreciated, they need more physical support," he said.