American Red Cross pledges $400,000.00 to aid Mexican flood relief

The 2010 hurricane season has significantly impacted Mexico with the high season rains and two major storms in the past month generating extensive flooding. Recent reports have indicated that about 500,000 people have been affected. The American Red Cross has pledged $400,000.00 to help the Mexican Red Cross with the relief efforts.

Anyone with family that they have not been able to contact, can call the American Red Cross, Virginia Capital Region, Greater Richmond offices at 804-780-2250. The Red Cross will attempt to find the whereabouts of missing relatives. This is a free service provided by the American Red Cross.

American Red Cross encourages tricks to be safe on Halloween

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill Harrison
804-780-2256
harrisonb@usa.redcross.org

The American Red Cross, Virginia Capital Region, encourages safety to be the primary focus as the witches and goblins take to the streets:
When getting ready to put on your disguise, use face paint instead of masks, which could cover the eyes;

Remember, before you embark, to wear light-colored clothing to be seen in the dark. And remember to use reflective tape, even on bikes, skateboards and brooms;

Map out the route that you plan to roam, so everyone knows where you plan to be;

Take flashlights to use as you travel and do not walk in the streets, use sidewalks;

Please look both ways before you cross the street and don’t hide between parked cars;

Stay off the lawns and only visit homes that have the porch lights on;

Do not go inside anyone’s home unless an adult is with you;

Wigs, capes and costumes are often flammable,so avoid open flames;

Even if you are trick-or-treating with your parents or friends, take a cell phone so you can easily call home;

Have a grown-up inspect candy when you are done trick-or-treating to remove open packages and choking hazards.

For more safety tips, visit www.redcross.org

American Red Cross offers free International Humanitarian Law class

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bill Harrison
804.780.2256
harrisonb@usa.redcross.org

The American Red Cross, Virginia Capital Region, is offering a free International Humanitarian Law class on Saturday, October 30th, 10:00 am till 12:00 noon at the Red Cross offices, 420 East Cary Street. No advance registration is needed.

International humanitarian law, which includes the Geneva Conventions, is the core of the global Red Cross networks. It is critical to preserving a minimum of humanity in the worst of circumstances.

Through the classes, students can build analytical skills as they explore different perspectives on the rules of conflict, the effects war has on human life and dignity, and their personal connections to it.

The class is being taught by Reginald E. Gordon, Esq., chief executive officer of the American Red Cross, Virginia Capital Region. For more information, call 804-780-2250.