“This Red Cross Calling appeal is probably going to be our toughest yet, due to the amazing and overwhelming support the South Australian community showed following the recent Asian Tsunami and Eyre Peninsula bushfire tragedies,” said Kerry Symons, Acting Executive Director, Australian Red Cross, South Australia.

“While many South Australians recognise the important work of Red Cross -- both here and overseas -- we have a challenging task ahead to raise sufficient funds to ensure we are in a position to continue to deliver our community services for people in our own State,” said Ms Symons.

Australian Red Cross, South Australia delivers a wide range of domestic programs and services to assist vulnerable South Australians in times of need.

Programs delivered by over 1,400 state volunteers include: The Good Start Breakfast Club (providing nutritionally at risk school children with breakfast); Telecross (reassurance phone calls to the elderly or frail); Community Transport (transporting isolated people to appointments); save-a-mate (youth drug/alcohol risk reduction); Community Carers (respite care) and support for refugees.

Australian Red Cross recognises its programs and services will be placed under a great deal of strain, if the organisation struggles to meet the Calling Appeal’s target for this year.

“As more South Australians become aware of the various services provided by Red Cross, the more demands our services are attracting.  Given the already generous support to the Tsunami and Bushfire appeals, this makes this year’s appeal both important and challenging,” said Ms Symons.

Australian Red Cross is urging all South Australians to register their support during the month of March by making donations via phone or internet.

To make a donation to the Red Cross Calling appeal or for further information visit www.redcross.org.au or call 1800 246 850.

AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW:
Kerry Symons, Acting Executive Director, South Australia, 08 8100 4631