Tag: Award

California Gold Country Region volunteer Darren Courtney has been honored with the Spirit of the Pacific Award for the month of December.

Courtney, whose regional volunteer roles include Sheltering Coordinator, Yuba/Sutter territory Disaster Action Team Lead, and Communications team photographer, has been a Red Cross volunteer for more than 25 years.

“He has consistently answered the call to deploy more than any other volunteer that is in my territory,” noted Community Disaster Program Manager Daryl White, who nominated Courtney for the award.

“Darren embraces all of our core values and delivers our mission with the upmost compassion and respect for our clients, those who have been displaced by a disaster and are probably at one of the lowest times in their lives. Several years ago, Darren saved a life in the shelter he was working in by giving a client Narcan, he recognized the need and stepped in.”

All Red Cross team members are encouraged to work together and personify a set of cultural values and behaviors that exemplify these Pacific Division ideals. The Spirit of the Pacific Award is specifically designed to acknowledge and reward these outstanding efforts on the part of employees and volunteers.

Northwest Region Community Disaster Program Manager Kelsey Smith deployed has alongside Courtney. In his nomination she said, “Darren has truly been one of the most impactful relationships that I have made on any deployment and probably throughout my entire time in the organization I think I can speak for many others, as well. When I think of my ideal version of a Red Crosser, Darren is the first person who comes to mind.”

In a note to the California Gold Country Region, Courtney said, “I am deeply honored to have received the Spirit of the Pacific Award from you and our amazing organization. This recognition is a testament to the shared efforts, unwavering dedication, and tireless spirit of the American Red Cross. I couldn’t do it without the support of leadership, staff, and fellow volunteers.”