(Burlington, Vermont - February 12, 2010) The American Red Cross is launching the largest grassroots fundraising campaign in regional history, Heroes for the American Red Cross, to support their work to make our region a safer place for all. Fox 44 News anchor Lauren Maloney and Burlington attorney Doug Bishop will lead a region wide, grassroots campaign aimed at highlighting the daily, life saving efforts of the American Red Cross across the Vermont and New Hampshire Valley region. “Across our region, we have been heartened to see the tremendous outpouring of support for the relief efforts being provided by the American Red Cross in Haiti,” said Rob Levine, Regional Executive for the Red Cross. He added, “In the midst of this devastating event in our hemisphere, we are pleased to also celebrate the work of Red Cross volunteers who respond to disasters right here at home.”
“Every day I tell stories about Vermonters whose lives have been devastated by fire, flood or other disaster,” said Lauren Maloney, Co-Anchor of the Fox 44 News. “But I am also heartened to be able to tell the story of Red Cross volunteers who are there to make sure that their neighbors are supported in their hour of greatest need.” Maloney added, “With the worldwide reach of the Red Cross relief network, it is easy to overlook what they are doing right here in our own backyard.”
Doug Bishop, an active Red Cross volunteer said; “ I am honored to support this program, March is Red Cross month and the Heroes for the American Red Cross campaign will serve to remind all our citizens that every day the Red Cross is providing lifesaving instruction and disaster relief.” The mission of the American Red Cross is to help our communities prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The three chapters across the region also teach children and adults how to save lives through first aid, CPR and AED training, water safety instruction, and community safety education.
All emergency assistance provided by the American Red Cross is provided free of charge and made possible by donations from fellow community members. The Heroes campaign engages community members, whether as individuals, businesses or civic organizations, as they volunteer to be “Heroes” on behalf of the Red Cross. Each Hero commits to contacting those people in their network of friends, neighbors, coworkers or professional contacts and to share information about the work of the Red Cross locally and to ask for a contribution.
For those interested in helping as a “Hero” or making a contribution that will help the victims of disasters in our region and to support the work of the American Red Cross, contact Haley LaBonte at 802-660-9130, ext. 111 or write to: American Red Cross, Vermont New Hampshire Valley, 29 Mansfield Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401-3323. For donations, please specify “Heroes Campaign” in the memo of your check.
