Red Cross target in doubt

By Jim Mynard
RED Cross Calling chief Andrew Hilton has warned that Red Cross may not reach this year’s $2 million target.
Mr Hilton said that despite the efforts of thousands of dedicated volunteers, appeal funds raised this year were 38 per cent down on target, with a real risk of a shortfall when the appeal ends in Victoria on 13 March.
Without sufficient funds, Australian Red Cross Victoria may be unable to meet the huge demand that exists for programs such as Telecross, where volunteers make daily caring phone calls to people who are older and isolated.
He said this provided reassurance and personal contact.
If a call is not answered, Red Cross initiates an emergency procedure and arranges assistance as required.
However, Casey Red Cross Calling chairman Norma McCausland said she was confident the Casey team would reach its $55,000 target.
Mrs McCausland said Casey collectors would be on intersections next weekend.
“I feel confident about this, but we will know then just how our appeal will end up.”
Mrs McCausland has always highly commended the community groups that staff Casey traffic intersections during Red Cross Calling.
“I have very high hopes that we will reach our target,” she said.
Mr Hilton said the recent spate of tragedies in NSW, where a number of people have died alone and unnoticed in their homes, had prompted heightened interest in Telecross.
“If we don’t make our Red Cross Calling target of $2 million, we may not be able to reach the growing number of isolated Australians who are in real need of this service,” he said.
In Victoria, 318 volunteers provide daily calls to 351 clients.
Australian Red Cross wants to expand this service to have 800 volunteers and 800 clients within the next 12 months.
More and more Australians will be living alone in coming years, with the number projected to increase from 1.8 million in 2001 to between 2.8 million and 3.7 million in 2026 — an increase of up to 105 per cent.
“We are urging Victorians to make a secure donation online at www.redcross.org.au, or by phoning 1800 811 700,” he said.