Red Cross Calling is an annual event held between the 1st and 31st of March, which supports the Red Cross, an apolitical and secular organisation that supports humanity efforts across the world. Maroondah has several committed divisions of Red Cross, which support Red Cross Calling each year through doorknocking and raising funds. This evening, along with Cr. Ann Fraser, who also serves as a volunteer of the Red Cross, I thanked the volunteers of Red Cross Calling through a presentation at Council.

It was wonderful to see the many families supporting the Red Cross, as well as long serving volunteers, including one who had been supporting Red Cross Calling for fifty years. In addition, Maroondah Freeman of the City Bob McDiarmid, is on the Red Cross Calling Committee and he spoke about his experiences in supporting the Red Cross and the causes that the humanitarian relief that the organisation provides.

The Guides and Scouts are tremendous supporters of Red Cross Calling and I had the pleasure of presenting certificates to the many younger participants who assisted in this year’s appeal. While the Red Cross is a world-wide organisation it has also provided assistance locally, including support for the Bush Fires that caused widespread devastation in Victoria last year. I would like to thank the many individuals and families that have supported Red Cross through 2010 and in previous years.

To find out more about the work of the Red Cross and its fundraising efforts please visit www.redcross.org.au/howyoucanhelp_campaigns_RCC.htm