The Savannah Chapter of the American Red Cross held its 90th annual meeting Thursday night at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront. This annual event gave the Red Cross an opportunity to recognize and thank all of their supporters and contributors.
The Savannah Red Cross was busy during FY07. They experienced the deployment of thousands of the 3rd Infantry Division troops to Iraq; saw the largest number of home fires in recent history; trained thousands of fellow citizens in the lifesaving skills of CPR, first aid, AED and aquatics safety; helped 100 people through International tracing and relief education services and established the new “Coastal Military Family Relief Fund” to assist military families.
Covering a geographical area of 4,200 square miles, which is larger than the state of Connecticut, in FY07 the Savannah Chapter touched the lives of one out of 11 people in its service area.
Services provided in FY07:
• 1,058 people who lost their homes when disaster struck received emergency food, shelter, clothing and other necessities to make a new start.
• These disasters affected 335 homes and we also provided canteen services for 32 emergency events, averaging one disaster every day.
• 17,956 adults and young people attended disaster preparedness briefings.
• 2,500 emergency messages were sent between military members and their families worldwide.
• 47 military members and their families received a total of $12,840.40 in emergency grants from the new Coastal Military Family Relief Fund.
• 1,830 soldiers and their families were briefed on Red Cross services available to them and their families prior to deployment.
• 15,775 returning or deploying armed forces members were welcomed home or sent off with love by Red Cross volunteers at HAAF.
• 1,500 services were provided by volunteers at HAAF Tuttle Clinic.
• 8,989 of our neighbors obtained critical lifesaving skills like first aid, CPR and aquatics safety.
• 3,705 children learned about safe hygiene, safe water activities and other basic safety behaviors through age appropriate training like “Scrubby Bear,” “Whales Tales” and Babysitter’s Training.
• 100 local residents received information and help through Red Cross International tracing and relief education services.
