It’s been a difficult start to the year for Australia with natural disasters in Queensland, Victoria, parts of Western Australia and now, also, for our friends in New Zealand, Japan and the Asia Pacific. These disasters may seem like yesterday’s news for some of us, but thousands of people still face months of physical and mental hardship as they depend on organisations like Red Cross to help rebuild their lives.
Research shows recovering from major disasters can take at least five to seven years and Red Cross will be there to help assist individuals as they rebuild their lives and support them on their long journey to recovery.
But Red Cross doesn’t only help people impacted by natural disasters. We support vulnerable people across Australia every day. Year round, we are working in communities right around the country, providing services like a nutritious start to the day for hungry school children and support for elderly and isolated people in their own homes.
During Red Cross Calling, our March fundraising campaign, thousands of Red Cross members, supporters, community groups and schools have been raising funds to support the work of Red Cross in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
Through the power of humanity, by the efforts of ordinary people involved in extraordinary activities, our supporters make a huge difference to the lives of people who need it most. The energy, compassion and action of our supporters enables Red Cross to help people in need.
I wish to sincerely thank the many people who have generously donated to Red Cross Calling this year. The response so far has been great and we hope to keep the momentum going throughout the month.
The funds raised through Red Cross Calling supports our everyday work to provide help and hope when people need it most.
This includes our vital work helping people prepare, respond and recover from disasters like the ones so many Australians have faced in the last few months.
It’s not too late to make a donation, simply go to www.red
cross.org.au or phone 1800 811 700.
Thank you for your support.
Di Jay
New South Wales
Executive Director
Australian Red Cross
