ANNIVERSARY RECOGNITION OF HAITIAN EARTHQUAKE JANUARY 12th

For Immediate Release
Contact: Diane Gaillard
804.457.8280
www.adopthaitiproject.com

Adopt Haiti, American Red Cross, Bon Secours, SunTrust Collaborating

The January 12 earthquake that affected more than 3,000,000 Haitian people brought the world’s attention to a country that for generations had already faced insurmountable odds. With more than 230,000 dead and 300,000 injured, people from around the globe responded to the needs of a people that learned long ago how to face overwhelming circumstances with a spirit that was now inspiring the world.

On January 12, 2011, Adopt Haiti Project, in conjunction with several other organizations and communities of faith, is hosting events to pay tribute to that spirit and to acknowledge the outpouring of support that was realized worldwide. The day will begin with a 9:00-11:00 a.m. service at Third Street AME Church, 614 North 3rd Street, Richmond, 23219 and conclude with a 5:30-7:00 p.m. business forum at SunTrust Bank, 919 East Main Street, Richmond 23219.

Diane Gaillard of “Adopt Haiti” views the day as a time of reflection and community, but mainly a time to look forward. “Our morning service will be one that recalls those who died, but also a means to celebrate the world’s generosity and look to how we can continue that much needed support. People are still dying. People are still living in tents. We all need to still be visible.”

Music at the service will include choirs from Virginia State University and John Marshall High School. Also West African drumming and dance will pay tribute to the nation’s heritage and spirit of strength. The Haitian National Anthem will be sung by Haitian soloist Maria Roy. Speakers include The Rev. Godfrey Patterson, the church’s pastor, with Antoinette Essa, CBS 6 personality, serving as master of ceremonies. The service will conclude with the release of 100 red and blue balloons.

The business forum will include Reginald Gordon, Esq., Regional Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross; Vernique Pluriose-Fenton, public liaison to the Haitian Diaspora and the American Red Cross; Danny Yates, William and Mary student who was in Haiti during the earthquake and president of Hinche Scholars; James H. Cottrell, Deloitte Touche Financial/Global Corporate UN representative; Patrick Eugene, Haitian student from James Madison University and president of the Haitian Organization Chemen Lavi; Diane Gaillard, executive director of Adopt Haiti Project and Dr. Patrick Sapini, chair of Adopt Haiti Project.

One purpose of the forum is to allow organizations to share their progress and challenges in responding to the aftermath of the earthquake.

The “passing of the baton” from the American Red Cross to the Adopt Haiti Project will also be introduced at the forum. Local organizations are encouraging individuals and groups that would like to assist in Haiti relief to now work through the newly formed “Adopt Haiti Project.”

Mr. Gordon explained, “Should another disaster hit Haiti, the American Red Cross will respond with the vigor that we always do, accepting donations and providing immediate assistance. Our role is that of a disaster relief organization. As a result of the earthquake, we became more aware of numerous people and organizations in this community that have a presence in Haiti. Someone needs to be the convener of all of the Richmond based groups who help, in order to better leverage our support to Haiti. What better group to do that than the Haitian-Americans living right here in our community? We are fortunate to have the Adopt Haiti Project.”

“I envision this to be a means of continuing and growing Haitian awareness in Richmond,” continued Ms. Gaillard. “Because of my experiences as a Haitian-American I have a strong desire to help communities come together and I believe Adopt Haiti will do that.”

Red Cross assisting seven Richmonders displaced by fire

For Immediate Release
August 5, 2010
Contact: Bill Harrison
804 780 2256
804 396 0162

The American Red Cross, Greater Richmond Chapter, is helping seven adults who were displaced by a fire at 1814 Bainbridge on the city’s southside.

The Red Cross is assisting with lodging in a local hotel and debit cards for food and clothing. They are also meeting with Red Cross caseworkers to establish long range recovery plans.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by the donation of time and money by the American people, To help these and other disaster victims, please mail contributions to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 655, Richmond, Va. 23218, call 804-780-2250 or visit www.greaterrichmond.redcross.org

Greater Richmond Chapter coordinating largest Red Cross practice ever in Virginia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 11, 2010

Bill Harrison

804-780-2256

804-396-0162 (cell)

Over 275 People Involved in Train Accident, Neighborhoods Evacuated

You are an American Red Cross disaster volunteer and are awakened early Saturday morning to learn that a train that was traveling through Richmond is on fire. Because of the chemicals on board, residents living within a ten mile radius are being evacuated.

You are facing a long day of caring for the displaced, helping determine their needs, sheltering and feeding them, tending to their mental health needs along with attempting to instill an environment of calmness. Emergency workers will also look to you for support. Not an easy task, but one that the American Red Cross knows all too well. And one that they are well prepared to handle.

On Saturday, March 13, from 9:00 am till 3:00 pm, at Bon Air Baptist Church, 2531 Buford Road, Richmond, 23235, the American Red Cross, Greater Richmond Chapter, will conduct the largest Red Cross disaster practice that has ever been orchestrated in the state. It will involve about 100 disaster workers and 175 other volunteers acting as displaced residents. The day will involve the set up and coordination of a shelter along with providing food and nourishment for the body and soul.

The annual exercise includes volunteers from the Chapter’s faith community partnerships. Many houses of worship have agreements with the Red Cross for their properties to serve as shelters during disasters. They also provide volunteers to manage the shelters. Sixteen communities of faith are participating in this particular exercise.

Lunch will be prepared by volunteers of the Virginia Baptist Mission Board. The Red Cross and the Board has a longstanding agreement that involves the Red Cross purchasing food with the Baptist volunteers preparing it. The volunteers will set up their mobile kitchen Friday afternoon in the church parking lots. Also participating is the Chesterfield Fire Department.

Last fiscal year, the Greater Richmond Chapter helped 1,076 local disaster victims with most being house fires. The Chapter also provided over 1,300 meals to emergency workers such as firefighters and police. Within the last few weeks, the Chapter has helped almost 200 fire victims.

About a year ago, the national American Red Cross named Greater Richmond as a regional chapter, meaning that it now oversees the work of the Southside Area Chapter in Petersburg, the Hopewell-Prince George-Ft. Lee Chapter, the Rappahannock Area Chapter in Fredericksburg and the Halifax-Charlotte County Chapter.

“These exercises keep us on target,” stated Reggie Gordon, Chapter CEO. “Because of rehearsing scenarios such as this, when the real thing does happen, we are able to immediately respond when people need help. Our disaster responses are very detailed operations and every single person must successfully carry out their role.” Gordon is volunteering as an evacuee during the exercise.

According to Paul Hundley, manager of disaster services, the practices are a critical piece of the essence of the American Red Cross. “We could never help the thousands of people we do each year if not for our volunteers and our partnerships with organizations such as the communities of faith. We have a saying when it comes to disasters that it is not a matter of if, but a matter of when.”

Schedule for Saturday, March 13:

9:00 am to 1:00 pm: Displaced persons will arrive at Bon Air Baptist Church

11:30 am- 1:00 pm Lunch will be served by American Red Cross and Virginia Mission Board volunteers.

12:00 pm – 3:00 pm Second wave of disaster clients arrive.