General News
30 August, 2024
Celebrating 110 years of Red Cross
The Maryborough Red Cross celebrated 110 years of vital humanitarian work at its monthly meeting on Monday.
Nine days after the outbreak of the First World War on August 13, 1914, The Australian Red Cross was formed to help support communities in times of need, with its Maryborough sub branch opening the same year.
With her grandmother being a founding member of the Australian Red Cross and her mother a member helping with the baby boom during the 1950s at East Brighton, Maryborough Red Cross chair Jan Williamson said the anniversary is a special moment.
“It’s pretty amazing really, Maryborough has been going all of that time so we have got some great volunteers that support the Red Cross,” she said.
“I like being able to raise money for the Red Cross because you have only got to look at the TV and there are wars going on at the moment and the Red Cross is there.
“I think you have got to give back in your life, and the Red Cross is my area that I like to support.”
The local Red Cross currently has 32 volunteers who provide vital services to residents, including patient transport, emergency relief, and assistance with community programs.
Ms Williamson said the milestone serves as a reminder of the friendship, kindness and dedication that makes the Red Cross remarkable.
“It’s nice to have a nice group that comes in and is always happy to help,” she said.
“I found the photo of what we were doing for the 100th anniversary, so that was a bit of fun to pass around because some of them were still there.
“It’s not a huge milestone but it’s wonderful to do something a little bit different that we enjoyed and celebrate how we are all proud to wear the Red Cross badge as volunteers.”