As disasters become more frequent across Australia and internationally, the demand for Red Cross emergency services is booming and more volunteers are urgently needed.
When you join Red Cross – the largest humanitarian movement in the world – you can get involved at a grassroots level or join volunteers being deployed across Australia and elsewhere when disaster strikes.
In 12 years with Red Cross Emergency Services, Bangor’s Bronwyn Van Den Noulant has seen and achieved a lot.
She’s spent time working around NSW in the wake of bushfires and floods and was involved in the Pillowcase Project, going to primary schools and giving students survival tips.
“It’s called the Pillowcase Project because when the New Orleans hurricane struck a few years back, people only had time to grab a pillowcase and fill it with personal items,” she said.
“It’s very satisfying helping families that have been impacted by disaster, working out their needs and putting them in touch with services they need.
“It you want to get more out of life, I can thoroughly recommend joining Red Cross.”
Padstow Red Cross shop manager Marilena Mattiolo isn’t involved in disaster relief but instead sees the shop as a vital support to the community.
“Apart from being able to access affordable goods, people often drop in just for a chat and a friendly smile,” she said.
“That’s how I got involved, I was nursing my elderly parents and started volunteering as a distraction and it made a huge difference having a break from your own problems and focusing on helping someone else.
“I think everyone should have a go at volunteering, it makes you a more tolerant and far better person,” she said.
For more info: redcross.org.au or call Padstow Red Cross, 9774 2635.
