On January 17, 2013, the Women of Palmetto Bluff gathered at the Lake Hayes Clubhouse (thank you Marge, Carole and Cynthia) to learn a bit more about the Red Cross. I, along with Rosemary Gillet gave a Power Point presentation covering the three major areas that the Disaster Services segment of the Red Cross covers; Service to the Armed Forces (SAF), Disaster Action Team (DAT) and National Deployment during disasters. Since Rosemary is very involved with the first two areas and I have deployed for the past two years, we both highlighted some of our experiences to help everyone understand that Red Cross is not just about giving blood....although an extremely important function of the RC.
One very important fact about the Red Cross that I wanted to emphasize is that the two major components are donors and volunteers. Currently, there are 97 million volunteers worldwide. That's incredible! And it is also important to recognize that 95 cents of each dollar goes to help those who have been affected by disasters. Another incredible feat!
Below are a few pictures captured at the meeting. Please keep in mind that I may be a good volunteer but I will never be a good photographer. If anyone ever wants to be the official photographer, I beg of you....come forward in a private email and I will love you forever!
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Our president starts off the meeting with a bang.
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| Arlene, Sherrie Paterson and Joan Lancaster gather in the kitchen. |
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| Margie gives us a cookbook update. Fingers crossed- February!! |
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Welcome Karen Meyer from Vermont!
Hopefully, you will join us :) |
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| We welcome Nancy Dwight- another New Englander |
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| Farhana Mather will be full-time in May 2013. |
We had the best turnout so far and we look forward to some more exciting programs this new year!
