As March rapidly approaches, volunteers across the state are gearing up for the annual Red Cross Calling appeal, hoping you will give generously toward the $2.4 million dollars needed to support essential Australian Red Cross emergency services and community programs across Victoria in 2003.  And they're heading to your place next!

This year, more than ever, the funds raised through the Red Cross Calling appeal will be of vital importance in ensuring Australian Red Cross volunteers are equipped, resourced, trained and ready to provide local emergency services to those in need throughout the state.

In action again during the recent devastating bushfires in Victoria and the ACT, the Australian Red Cross coordinates Emergency First Aid, Emergency Registration and Emergency Catering in the face of natural disasters such as bushfires, droughts and floods.  Teams of fully trained volunteers are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round and play an integral role in the State's Emergency Management arrangements.

'The recent efforts of the Australian Red Cross, Victoria volunteers have been amazing,' said Australian Red Cross, Victoria Executive Director Andrew Hilton. 

'In Victoria, almost 400 volunteers have manned nine Emergency Relief Centres set up to register and care for evacuated residents, eight catering units have organised over 60,000 meals in under three weeks for exhausted emergency services personnel and emergency affected residents in the North East fires and six Emergency First Aid posts have been set up across the state to tend to the injured.'

'In addition to this," he continued, 'volunteers at the National Inquiry Centre, which was activated in Melbourne to take calls from concerned relatives seeking those affected by the ACT Bushfires, took over 10,000 calls in only four days.'

In recent months the Australian Red Cross has been involved in administering funds for the specific Farmhand Drought Relief Appeal and the Bali Appeal.  But with the Red Cross Calling appeal approaching fast, Australian Red Cross is hoping Victorians will give generously to support the other services offered all year-round.

'The emergency services and community programs we offer year-round would not be possible without the generosity of the Victorian Community," said Mr Hilton.  "The funds raised through our annual Red Cross Calling appeal ensure our volunteers are ready and equipped to respond rapidly in the face of emergencies, such as the recent bushfires and drought. We hope Victorians will give generously in 2003.'

March is Red Cross Calling.  Please give generously to support emergency and community services in Victoria.  Donations can be made by calling 1800 811 700.

MARCH IS RED CROSS CALLING
FAST FACTS

* The Red Cross Calling appeal is the major Australian Red Cross, Victoria annual fundraiser each year
* The target for the 2003 Victorian Red Cross Calling appeal is $2.4 million
* Approximately 40,000 unpaid Australian Red Cross volunteers from all walks of life will be doorknocking, collecting at intersections, in shopping malls and local neighbourhoods across Victoria from 1 March - 31 March 2002
* Funds raised during the Red Cross Calling appeal are used in the Victorian community to support essential Australian Red Cross community programs and emergency services, such as the Emergency Catering, Emergency Registration and Emergency First Aid services activated during the recent bushfires in Victoria's North East
* The funds raised ensure Australian Red Cross volunteers are equipped, resourced, trained and ready to provide local emergency services
* The Red Cross Calling appeal supports local services offered by the Australian Red Cross, as opposed to the more specific Farmhand Drought Relief and Bali Appeals
* During the recent bushfire crisis in the ACT, the National Inquiry Centre set up in Melbourne took over 10,000 calls from concerned relatives and friends both nationally and internationally
* In Victoria, over 60,000 meals were organised during a two week span to feed exhausted emergency services personnel at the North East fires
* The Australian Red Cross, Victoria hopes Victorians will give generously in 2003
* To donate to Australian Red Cross please call 1800 811 700
* All proceeds from Red Cross Calling go to the Australian Red Cross, Victoria emergency and community services

March is Red Cross Calling.  Please give generously to support emergency and community services in Victoria.  Donations can be made by calling 1800 811 700.

BACKGROUNDER
Australian Red Cross
The Red Cross began in 1863, born of a desire to help the wounded in battle without discrimination. Since then it has grown to become the world's largest humanitarian network, with nearly 300,000 staff and 105 million members and volunteers scattered across the globe.

Since its first presence in Australia in 1914, the Red Cross has given relief and hope through two world wars and countless natural disasters. Its overriding mission is to prevent and alleviate human suffering - wherever it may be found.
In Victoria, the Australian Red Cross has developed a variety of programs that support the vulnerable and continually respond to the ever-changing needs of the community.

Today it offers a number of services including emergency relief, programs and resources for young people, services for refugees and asylum seekers, first aid training and the dissemination of the laws of war. It also raises funds to help the victims of natural disasters and conflicts anywhere in the world.

With a committed band of members and volunteers, and professional leadership, Australian Red Cross in Victoria aims to provide the highest-quality services, while always operating within the humanitarian principles that govern the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Through appeals such as Red Cross Calling, the Australian Red Cross raises funds to support its vital community programs and emergency services, enabling it to continue providing for people in crisis, in Victoria, in Australia and beyond.