March 2, 2007 The Greater Buffalo Chapter of the American Red Cross is celebrating Red Cross Month this March by giving thanks to the thousands of people in Western New York who have personified America’s humanitarian spirit by donating their time, money and blood during the last year.

“America has always been a place of humanitarian action and compassion—a place where people take care of each other whether those in need are down the block or around the globe,” said Nancy Blaschak, executive director of the Greater Buffalo Chapter. “For more than 90 years, the Red Cross in Buffalo has relied on the everyday volunteers who donate time, blood or money; volunteers who help coordinate blood drives, volunteers who aid disaster relief operations; volunteers who have hosted or donated money to Red Cross fundraisers.”

In the past year alone, the Greater Buffalo Chapter responded to 394 single and multi-residential home fires, assisted 641 military families and trained 10,445 people in lifesaving skills such as CPR and first aid. A total of 20,243 people took CPR and first aid classes last year alone and now are able to save a life, while 7,003 people were taught to protect themselves against HIV/AIDS. Red Cross volunteers are the core of the Red Cross, donating their time and energy to selflessly serve those in need; demonstrating the compassion and generosity for which Americans are known.

The Greater Buffalo Chapter and its nearly 24,000 volunteers and donors provide valuable tools and education to individuals, families, workplaces and schools; making us all stronger and more resilient, and touching more than 145,000 lives in our communities every year.

The Greater Buffalo Chapter Red Cross needs continued support in the coming year. Disasters can strike Western New York at any time, as we all know from the October storm this past year. This month and throughout the year, the Red Cross is asking people to give generously to the Greater Buffalo Chapter. You can even donate online today.

The American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter prepares for, and responds to, community disasters and emergencies and helps people lead safe and healthy lives. The American Red Cross is one of the oldest and largest volunteer driven organizations in the United States and locally depends on the contributions of 800 volunteers to provide its emergency service and health education program.