MIAMI, FLA, March 1, 2023 — As climate disasters and other emergencies upend lives, local community heroes are stepping up to care for one another.
This March, the South Florida Red Cross honoring those who make its mission possible during the 80th annual American Red Cross Month celebration — a national tradition that began in 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation. Local communities all around South Florida will be helping to celebrate Red Cross Month with community events, local proclamations and more.
“When help can’t wait during emergencies, people in South Florida rally together to provide relief and hope for neighbors in need,” said Julie Unwin, Interim Chief Executive Officer, South Florida Red Cross. “This humanitarian spirit is at the heart of our community, and we are proud to honor all those who make our mission possible during this year’s Red Cross Month celebration. You can join in their commitment by donating, volunteering or taking a lifesaving skills course.”
Participate in Red Cross Month by visiting redcross.org to make a financial donation, become a volunteer or take a class in lifesaving skills, such as first aid, CPR and how to use an AED. On March 22, you can also join our annual Red Cross Giving Day campaign by donating at redcross.org/givingday to help provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance for people affected by disasters big and small.
CONTINUING CLARA BARTON’S LIFESAVING LEGACY Today’s Red Cross volunteers and supporters are advancing the lifesaving legacy of Clara Barton — one of the most honored women in U.S. history — who founded the American Red Cross more than 140 years ago. Her vision to prevent and alleviate human suffering has never wavered: Generation after generation, people have come together to adapt this timeless mission for their communities’ most urgent needs.
Today in South Florida, this includes our most recent response to the multifamily fire that affected countless families in Miami Gardens. We have also had staff and volunteers deploy to assist with major disasters and recently presented a Lifesaving Award to 4 staff members of Zoo Miami who used their training to save a life when a face painter collapsed at the Zoo.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 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/southflorida or visit us on Facebook or Twitter at @SFLRedCross.