Here is why:
- Their mission, “The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors”, aligns with the goals of the chapter.
- Their inclusive vision: “The American Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors, and partners, is always there in times of need. We aspire to turn compassion into action so that:
- All people affected by disasters across the country and around the world receive care, shelter, and hope
- Our communities are ready and prepared for disasters
- Everyone in our country has access to safe, lifesaving blood and blood products
- All members of our armed services and their families find support and comfort whenever needed
- In an emergency, there are always trained individuals nearby, ready to use their Red Cross skills to save lives. The American Red Cross works to deliver vital services- from providing relief and support to those in crisis, to helping communities be prepared to respond in emergencies.
- An average of 90 cents of every dollar spent is invested in delivering care and comfort to those in need. “Everything we do depends on the needs of the people that we serve”.
- Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org) scores The American Red Cross as 88.99/100, with a program expense ratio (percent of total expenses spent on programs and services it exists to deliver) of 90.2% and an impact score (actual impact on the lives of those it serves) of 100/100.
As you can expect, The American Red Cross is actively involved in relief efforts in Ukraine. Many of us have seen stark images of the toll the war has taken on those who live there. Close to 3 million people have been forced to leave their homes to date. The Red Cross is providing lifesaving aid to those in need- both in the country and in neighboring areas. Refugees urgently need food, water, shelter, emergency medical care, and psychological support. Red Cross volunteers are also planning to work to reunite separated families, provide food and other household items, and increase awareness about areas contaminated by unexploded ordnance. More detail about how the Red Cross is helping amidst the devastation in Ukraine can be found here: https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/2022/ukraine-red-cross-delivers-aid-to-families.html
The Red Cross urgently needs funds to continue to support its mission in Ukraine for whatever is needed most (blood, food, shelter, clothing, and refugee support). To this end, PMI Phoenix is conducting a national virtual donation effort so other PMI members or concerned citizens can join us. The chapter plans to match each dollar donated by members up to $500 so we can reach a goal of $ 5,000 together.