NZ RED CROSS STEET APPEAL: IT IS ABOUT HELPING EACH OTHER

What did NZ Red Cross Appeal mean to me? 

If you have not heard about it (or you cannot google it!), the NZ Red Cross Appeal is the biggest fundraiser of our year.  The appeal depends on people’s generosity in making financial donations to help others badly affected in times of disaster or for other things such as refugee re-settlement. 

Sadly, the funds that NZ Red Cross receives from the Government are not enough. They fund specific services … and that is why the Street Appeal is so vital whether people contribute  a little or a lot.   Giving money or time (which one more valuable, right?) are also vital for the Red Cross to achieve its goals.  Because we know a crisis can happen to anyone, at any time.  And helping each other is what community is all about. 

As a voluntary member of Martinborough Red Cross Group, I was able to take part in the Red Cross Appeal on Friday 19^th March at Kitchener St, here in Marty CBD as I like to call it. I was not sure how all this would go, as it was my first time. I did not really know how people would react or how many of them would voluntary donate. It was a great surprise to witness the kindness of this community and the spirit of giving (even the school kids got involved).  

Many thanks to all those people in Martinborough who approached our stand and donated throughout the whole day!.  Even though it was only one hour of my time, it was enough to feel this sense of connection and “helping others” that was shared by all of us, the volunteers. By the way, thanks to lovely Tony Rigby, who I shared the stand with and made everything so easy for me.

The Appeal Day went very smoothly thanks to all who took part making the day a great success.  This story is about my one hour experience.  I enjoy being part of something bigger than myself, that makes a difference to others. We are fortunate to have a very committed group who have given so much of their time over many years of service.   

I really hope we can get more people joining our voluntary group and sharing this sense of helping without getting anything.   For me the feeling of having done something positive is motivation enough.

Natalia Bellini  Red Cross Volunteer

We raised a massive $763.40 for the NZ Red Cross to support disaster awareness & recovery, international relief efforts and refugee resettlement

Thank You to Kitcheners and P&K for letting us run the Red Cross Street Appeal outside their premises.

Thank You to our fantastic volunteers
who gave their time to help the Red Cross Annual Appeal.

Photo caption : Street Appeal volnteers