March is Red Cross Month

Press Release:

Great Falls, March 11, 2013 — March is Red Cross Month, a time when the American Red Cross is recognized nationally for their tireless work in communities across our country. Since the Montana Chapter’s grassroots beginnings in 1907, the organization has provided services to victims of disasters large and small.  During Red Cross Month, Montana Red Cross is asking Montanans to support their Red Cross so that the organization can continue to provide crucial services when disasters strike in our state.  

 “Neighbors helping neighbors, that’s what Montana Red Cross is all about,” says Diane Wright, Chief Development Officer at the Montana Red Cross. “The services we provide as an organization are completely dependent on the generosity of our fellow Montanans.  From disaster relief to blood collection, to teaching preparedness and lifesaving skills, to supporting military families, none of it would be possible without the generous donations of their time and treasure.”   

 During FY 2012 alone, this is just some of what Montana Red Cross accomplished with the help and support of their donors and volunteers:

 assisted 646 community members/families affected by fires and other disasters;

• opened 20 shelters and served 11,075 meals and 9970 snacks to Montanans affected by floods and wildfires
• helped 1,339 Montanans prepare for emergencies with their Get Ready, Montana preparedness workshops;
• distributed 43,045 units of lifesaving blood to 30 hospitals across the state;
• provided pre-deployment briefings to 2,126 military families;
• provided 778 other services to members of the military, veterans and their families, including emergency communications with service members on active deployment;
• Taught 29,282 Montanans lifesaving skills through Red Cross first aid and other training courses.

 There are many ways that individuals or groups can help raise funds to support Montana Red Cross. Diane Wright explains: “One of our favorite ways to fundraise is to work with businesses and community groups to help them organize their own Montana Red Cross fundraisers. A good example is our very popular Dine for Disaster Relief program, through which restaurants can donate a percentage of sales on a given day to Montana Red Cross.” Red Cross helps advertise the events, so it’s a win-win for Red Cross and local restaurants alike. Diners also like the fact that they are supporting a great cause while enjoying eating out. 

 In a twist on the classic Dine for Disaster Relief program, Dine In Montana, a food delivery service for restaurants, promised to donate its Wednesday delivery fees during Red Cross Month to Montana Red Cross. "This year, Dine In Montana is proud to be participating in the Red Cross Dine for Disaster Relief program,” says J.J. Barney, owner of Dine in Montana. “Red Cross is a wonderful organization that helps people in our own community, state and all over the world in times of need.  From wildfires to tornadoes, we have a responsibility of supporting our fellow Montanans and working with the Red Cross has been a great way for us to share our appreciation for this great state."

 Red Cross Month is a great time to start your own fundraiser for Montana Red Cross. Any individual or group who’d like to jump in can call Wright at 1-800-ARC-MONT (1-800-272-6668). The organization has many other creative fundraising ideas to choose from; Wright will also be happy to entertain any ideas you might have to bring needed funds to the organization.  

 To make a financial donation to help people affected by disasters here in Montana, the United States, and around the world, visit www.montanaredcross.org, call 1-800-ARC-MONT (1-800-272-6668), or mail your donation to 1300 28^th Street South,Great Falls,MT 59405.

 To volunteer with Montana Red Cross go to www.montanaredcross.org or contact Montana Red Cross volunteer coordinator, Jenny Hurst, at jenny.Hurst@redcross.org or by calling 1-800-ACR-MONT (1-800-272-6668).

 About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.