Everyday, disasters damage or destroy homes across North America. Hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, fires – catastrophe strikes in all shapes and sizes and Red Cross responds. To help support these relief efforts, Red Heart is partnering with the nonprofit organizations to directly affect the lives of those who experience devastation and catastrophe.
As an American Red Cross Disaster Responder Program member, Red Heart is donating $250,000 this year to support Red Cross societies in the United States, Canada and Mexico. These dollars help provide emergency shelter, water, food, first aid and other vital disaster relief services.
Alyson Bell, Vice President of Marketing, Red Heart – the brand voted America’s most recommended yarn brand in 2015 and 2016 by the Women’s Choice Award, said: ‘Red Heart has woven its way into homes for 80 years, creating a beautifully rich history and inspiring joy in every knitter or crocheter. Red Cross’ roots run even deeper, responding in times of crisis when it was needed most. We’re proud to collaborate with this worthwhile organisation and show our Red Heart customers how they can turn their handiwork into good works.’
As part of the campaign – which launches in early 2016 – Red Heart and Red Cross will ask consumers to #StitchAHug for someone in need. Whether crafting a Red Heart Cares Blanket for a disaster victim or as a gift to an individual in need of comfort, both organizations offer this call-to-action in the year ahead.
Gail McGovern, American Red Cross President and CEO, said: ‘The American Red Cross relies on the generosity of our volunteers, donors and partners to fulfill our lifesaving mission. Thanks to the support of Red Heart and other Disaster Responder Program members, the Red Cross can immediately respond to the needs of people affected by disasters whenever and wherever they strike.’
Annually, the Red Cross spends approximately $330 million to aid communities impacted by nearly 70,000 domestic disasters. Globally, an additional $45 million assists those affects by disasters and humanitarian crises.
Alyson Bell, noting a statistic that six in ten created a project for charity in 2014, added: ‘Knitters and crocheters are a considerably charitable group. Our Red Heart consumers love the joy of making and the joy of giving, creating something special, handmade and long-lasting.
‘We aim to unite these artistically-gifted, generous consumers with Red Cross and prepare now to bring hope to victims of tragedies that unfortunately lie ahead.’
ENDS
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