Utah volunteers join nationwide Red Cross effort to support those facing devastating loss
The American Red Cross of Utah has launched its first-ever “Giving Challenge,” calling on Utahns, business leaders, foundations and others to contribute $1 million by the weekend to aid relief efforts in Southeastern states ravaged by Hurricane Helene. This catastrophic disaster has led to over 130 deaths and left nearly 1.6 million homes and businesses without power.
Volunteers from the Red Cross of Utah are on the ground in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina, joining over 1,000 other trained Red Cross disaster relief volunteers to provide crucial support where it’s needed most. Hurricane Helene has left a trail of destruction, leveling entire communities, destroying homes and businesses and severely damaging vital infrastructures such as hospitals, schools and roads. In the face of such unprecedented devastation, immediate and robust relief efforts are essential to provide critical support and rebuild affected areas.
“This is a pivotal moment for us to come together and extend a helping hand to those who have lost so much,” said Michael Smauldon, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Utah & Southwest Wyoming Chapter. “The generosity of our community directly translates into lifesaving assistance, including shelter, food and clothing for individuals and families struggling to rebuild their lives.”
Giving Challenge Issued
Executive Directors, volunteers and fundraisers from the Red Cross of Utah chapters are urging the Utah community to ensure resources are available when disasters strike. The Giving Challenge goal to raise $1 million by the weekend highlights the significant costs associated with disaster response.
As of mid-September, the nation has already experienced 20 billion-dollar disasters this year, including a record-breaking number of tornadoes, catastrophic flooding, devastating wildfires and extreme heat across the country. To meet the needs of families and communities impacted by these relentless disasters, the Red Cross continues to expand its response capacity.
“We are grateful for the religious organizations, community foundations and businesses that regularly support the Red Cross, enabling us to assist both locally in Utah and in massive disasters like Hurricane Helene,” Smauldon said. “The destruction across the Southeast from Hurricane Helene is immense, and we urgently need additional assistance to ensure that those in need can receive help.”
Make a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief to help prepare for, respond to and assist recovery from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org/donate, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text HELENE to 90999 to donate. Or reach out to the local Red Cross Chapter:
- Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the Greater Salt Lake Chapter – jeremiah.lafranca@redcross.org
- Michael Smauldon, Executive Director of the Northern Utah Chapter – michael.smauldon@redcross.org
- Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the Central and Southern Utah Chapter –benjamin.donner@redcross.org
Join the Team
After initial training, Red Cross disaster volunteers are prepared to respond to local emergencies, like home fires, offering immediate support on-site or remotely. With experience and additional training, volunteers can deploy to major emergencies or disasters locally and nationwide. Explore volunteer opportunities at redcross.org/DAT.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
