Diplomacy can break down. Borders can appear where none existed before. Divisions between cultures, languages and beliefs can push communities apart. But in times of disaster, coordination between nations and organizations is key in preventing unnecessary destruction and keeping people safe from harm. According to Steve Recca, this month’s Red Cross Lunch and Learn speaker […]
By Christina Eyre, Red Cross Volunteer As I walk up the steps of the church that shares its home with a small but committed Congolese congregation, I’m serenaded by Swahili hymns in three-part harmony. Immediately I feel under-dressed next to women resplendent in tailored kitenge of every color. The pervasive sense of joy must be […]
By Bob Lieber, Volunteer Writer “What can we do to help?” That’s what the Red Cross volunteer asked Lana Hansen. Those words were so welcome — such a lifeline at a time of need Lana couldn’t believe there was actually someone offering to help, just when she needed it most. Lana had lived and worked […]
By Patricia Billinger Alma and her family were awoken at 3 a.m. by a call warning them to evacuate immediately because flood waters were coming. Alma, husband Guillermo, daughter Perla, son-in-law Gerardo and grand-daughters Yamileth and Yaretzi escaped to Guillermo’s sister’s home, leaving everything behind in their Longmont mobile home. They quickly realized they needed […]
By Katie Lynn-Vecqueray Sometimes, the greatest and most powerful gift is hope. Hope may come in many forms, but it is especially prevalent in the lives of individuals who have been separated from loved ones abroad. These individuals feel compelled to determine the fate, safety, and well-being of their families and friends, and the Red […]
University of Denver’s Dr. Karen Feste In recent weeks, a precipitous rise in conflict between Israel and Palestine has brought the region’s continued struggle to attain peaceful progress back into the world’s headlines. The half-century conflict between Palestinians and Israelis over recognition, resources and security has so stubbornly resisted any kind of resolution that it […]
The American Red Cross has been providing support to U.S. Armed Forces for over 100 years – more than a century of service in peacetime and in war. Warriors from the WTB pose with two recumbent bicycles and with Red Cross volunteers after the Commander’s Challenge at the USOC in Colorado Springs. Photo by Bill […]
The smell of hamburgers on the grill, the flags on parade and the excitement of fireworks…things that tell you it is the Fourth of July, Independence Day, our nation’s birthday. The perfect time to celebrate with great family outings and outdoor fun that can provide some wonderful memories. Ashtyn Austin wears eye protectors and gloves […]
by Patricia Billinger Sometimes, the Red Cross is in the limelight, like when we’re opening shelters and driving through disaster-devastated neighborhoods delivering hot meals, supplies and hugs. And sometimes the Red Cross is working quietly in the background, kicking in support in ways that you might not think of. Porta-potties and refuse fees, for example. […]
by Cari Wheat, Community Preparedness & Resiliency Manager Colorado has a significant population of residents for whom English is not their first language. Please take a look at our long list of free downloadable disaster checklists for all kinds of hazards http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster-safety-library. Many are available in Arabic, Chinese, French, Haitian, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese. […]