Special Training Opportunity for Potential Red Cross Volunteers
The American Red Cross is joining with VolunteerSquare to offer a Disaster Boot Camp, Saturday, September 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Stamford Government Center, 888 Washington Boulevard in Stamford.
The training will provide information and basic skills needed to become a registered Red Cross volunteer, supporting disaster response here in Connecticut.
From major disasters like Superstorm Sandy or Tropical Storm Irene to residential house fires, the Red Cross responds to more than 500 incidents each year in Connecticut. Red Cross volunteers provide shelter, food, emotional support, health services and more during emergency responses. "Our workforce is more than 95% volunteer. We could not be there for our neighbors without the help of volunteers," said American Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island Region CEO Mario Bruno.
The orientation and training on September 27 will provide an introduction to Red Cross disaster response and equip volunteers with basic skills to staff shelters, help and help with mass care tasks like food preparation and distribution. As volunteers become more involved with the organization, there are opportunities to work in different areas and to take on increasing levels of responsibility. "We have opportunities for every age and ability," Bruno said. "We hope to build our capacity with local volunteers ready to respond if needed," Bruno said.
The Red Cross and VolunteerSquare Disaster Boot Camp will be held Saturday, September 27, from 8:30AM to x, at Stamford Government Center, 888 Washington Boulevard. Volunteers must pre-register for the event at www.redcross.org/ct/volunteer