Month: November 2019

American Red Cross Issues California Wildfire 1- and 2-Year Report

46199329612_92a96b9053_cOver the last two years, multiple devastating wildfires have brought disruptive evacuations, terrifying escapes and heart-wrenching losses to families across California. For months on end, relentless blazes—including the deadliest and most destructive wildfires ever seen in the state—threatened cities, towns and rural areas, forever changing lives.

Whether in Paradise or Santa Rosa, Ventura County or suburban Los Angeles, I’m proud that, wherever there was suffering, dedicated American Red Cross workers were there, bringing vital aid to tens of thousands of wildfire survivors.

Powered by the remarkable generosity of our donors, they helped deliver safe shelter, food, water and essential supplies for individuals and families in need, along with health services, emotional support, spiritual care and more.

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Thanks to our donors, we’ve provided millions of dollars in financial assistance to meet the urgent needs of residents who lost homes and belongings to the flames. We’ve also awarded millions more in grant assistance to partners doing important work in the affected communities—from rebuilding homes, to providing mental health services for survivors and preparedness training for children and their families.

Gail McGovern

American Red Cross President an CEO

(Excerpt from California Wildfires: 2017-2018 ONE & TWO-YEAR UPDATES)

Click on the links below to learn more about the American Red Cross efforts to assist those affected by wildfires in California over the last two years.

California Wildfires 1- and 2-Year Update

American Red Cross Long-Term Recovery Program: What Is It?

American Red Cross Year-End Appeal

year End appeal

pic2Our work is powered by a workforce of more than 90% volunteers and generous public donations. The Red Cross is proud that an average of 90 cents of every dollar we spend is invested in delivering care and comfort to those in need. Your financial support can make a lifesaving difference.

From disasters like the Camp and Carr fires to support for veterans’ families and those displaced by home fires, your donations helped us provide services to so many people during 2019 Impact Report.

Please take a moment to read our Year-End Appeal and download a Regional Donation Form. As a faithful partner, you can help us deliver hope and help to thousands of people in the year ahead!

Thank you!

Camp Fire Reflections: The Power of Partnerships During a Major Disaster

When the Red Cross is involved in a disaster response, partnerships with local organizations are key to successfully meeting the needs of the many displaced residents who come to us seeking shelter, care and hope.

As the first anniversary of the Camp Fire is just a day away, we wanted our readers to look back at this story about the commitment of several community partners who helped relay information around the territory and care for the many displaced livestock and pets.

Gold Country News and Notes

Through successful collaboration between the American Red Cross and five local organizations — North Valley Animal Disaster Group, University of California Davis Veterinary Emergency Response Team, Birch Valley Ranch Equestrian School, Gridley FFA, Chico FFA, County and Yuba-Sutter Amateur Radio Emergency Services — the Butte County Fair Grounds shelter in Gridley, California, has become a safe haven for families, farm animals and those with domestic pets.

The Red Cross continues to support the shelter with volunteers providing food and emotional support. Volunteers have welcomed hundreds of displaced community residents who have no place to go. The shelter, which is located south of the Camp Fire, is still open to all those seeking shelter and resources.

PARTNER_Collaboration2The North Valley Animal Disaster Group (NVADG) continues taking in livestock and is working with the UC Davis Veterinary Emergency Response Team, as well as the Birch Valley Ranch Equestrian School, to provide the animals…

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Four Heroes and an Unforgettable Bus Ride to Save Their Students

On October 16, 2019, the American Red Cross in Greater New York and Friese Foundation honored Kevin McKay, Mary Petersen Ludwig, Abigail Gerspacher-Davis and Allyn Pierce for their heroic actions in helping students and patients evacuate during the Camp Fire in Paradise, California.

Their story made headlines around the world.

This week, the Gold Country Region is reflecting on the people who were directly affected by the Camp Fire, and the many Red Cross volunteers and staff who worked tirelessly to help them in their recovery.

A Red Cross Volunteer Earns Her Wings

As we reflect on all that happened during and after the Camp Fire of 2018, we at the Red Cross are reminded of the critical role our disaster spiritual care volunteers had in helping people displaced by the wildfire as they processed the enormity of California’s largest and most destructive fire. Take a look at the story of volunteer Cynthia Bellina. #campfire

Gold Country News and Notes

When Paul Royce, known to the locals as “Turtle,” lost his home in the fire that devastated Paradise, California, he was really was at a loss as to what he would do next.  “I’ve lived in communes, and I’ve lived on the road, but right now, I haven’t a clue as to where I’ll be.  I have absolutely nowhere to go.”

CLIENT_Earns Her Wings1

Red Cross Disaster Spiritual Care Volunteer, Cynthia Bellina, heard about Turtle’s dilemma at the Red Cross shelter in Chico and knew she had to act. “Turtle needed that little extra care. He’s lived the most interesting and exciting life. In listening to his stories about his life I could understand his need for independence and his zest for life. I just couldn’t say no. I knew I had to help; I just had to!”

Bellina wasted no time. Turtle wanted to relocate to the Grass Valley in California. So…

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