RED CROSS DAY

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 133, 3 December 1930, Page 10

RED CROSS DAY

APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC

SOCIETY'S WORK DURING YEAR

' For the first time since 1928, a Bed Cross Day will be held in Wellington on Friday next. This is the occasion on which the Ked Cross Society makes its appeal to the public. , The organisation, which to-day is world-wide, is the largest movement extant, embracing as it does a world membership of over 20,000,000. Its adherents are engaged in all manner of humanitarian activities, ministering unto all, irrespective of class, colour, or creed. The Wellington centre of the organisation, on whose behalf the street day is being held, has had a particularly heavy year owing to distress for which the unemployment depression is largely responsible. Over and above its normal activities tho year has contained many special calls. These calls have not sounded in vain, and many in the community have been succoured by the ministrations of the organisation. The Ladies' Red Cross Auxiliary, which meets regularly to collect, repair, and renovate garments, has throughout the year been distributing these at the rate- of over 2000 per month. These ladies give their time voluntarily to the work, and before relief is given the cases are investigated. The cafeteria at the Wellington Hospital was established by the society over two years ago, and from it outpatients are able to obtain refreshments whilst awaiting interviews with the medical officers. The profits from this venture, are devoted-solely-for the benefit of the patients, and the sum of £50 lias Leon handed over for the wireless installation at the Victoria Ward. In addition, the society promoted a garden fete, which resulted in £144 being handed over, for wireless at the Ewart Ward. The Ked Cross acts as an advisorycommittee for the Jubilee Institute for the Blind, Auckland, and makes the care of the blind folk a special consideration. Throughout the year social gatherings have been held for the blind in Wellington in the winter months and picnic outings when the weather has been fine.

UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF.

A special Unemployment Belief Committee has been functioning for . tho past three years. During the current year the calls upon its service have been particularly heavyj Its special care has been cases of people broken down in health and handicapped from accepting any but light jobs. Throughout the year it has dealt with over 500 cases. During the winter able-bodied men were in such distfess through inability to find work that the committee extended its function to helping these. Boots, kets, lodgings, meals, and various other forms of relief have been provided. A number of tho cases were ex-service men who were not eligible for a pension.

JUNIOR RED CROSS.

The Junior Kcd Cross, which lias shown a marked development, is performing a most valuable part in the life of the community. The students at the primary and secondary schools are instructed in. first aid and. home nursing. These juniors have formed themselves into Red Cross circles, and render all manner of service to those in sickness and distress. They collect books, periodicals, food, and other comforts for patients in hospitals and various institutions." Further, they adopt as their special care poor, sick children, visiting them while they are convalescing and taking them flowers, books, etc. For resources to carry on its work the society is dependent upon membership subscriptions, donations, and proceeds accruing from the promotion of Yimous cntertainm'cnts, so that much depends upon the forthcoming street day. Flags will be offered for sale, and well-stocked stalls will lie open for business throughout the day at varipus van'fice points in. tho city. •" ■.■"■■