Red Cross Blogs

Giving thanks

By Katrina Crew
November 26, 2009 at 4:18 pm

For those of you who can’t hear my accent over the blog, I’m American, and today’s the day we all get together with our families to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving’s always been my favourite holiday. Even as a vegetarian who usually has to settle for a plate full of mashed potatoes and peas, I’ve always looked forward to the fourth Thursday of November.

Today there will be about 20 family members gathering at my parents’ house in San Diego. They won’t be exchanging gifts or hoping any reindeer sweaters they get come with a gift receipt. They’ll just be spending time together.

My family has a tradition of standing around recounting what’s happened over the past year that has given them cause to be thankful. In a year like this one, when we’ve recently lost a beloved family member, they’ll share memories and be thankful for the time we had with Aunt Dolores.

Because I can’t be with them this year, I’d like to share some of the thank-you notes the Red Cross has received from people who’ve used our services in the UK this year.

“I cannot write too highly about the attention which I received after a week in hospital following a terrifying accident in my home. I was contacted very quickly and dates were arranged for five free weeks of assistance for shopping. This was of enormous help to me as I am in my nineties and live alone. Many thanks to the British Red Cross.”

“I really do not know how I would’ve coped without the cheerful weekly visit to collect my list and deliver my shopping with friendly cheerfulness, care and advice. I am now ready to return the wheelchair and I would like to donate to the Red Cross.”

“The equipment from the British Red Cross was a lifesaver.”

“We have been grateful for your help on several occasions. My wife has been able to do shopping knowing that I am cared for and I have had company. Thank you very much.”

“The Red Cross have been amazing and really couldn’t have done more to help us. I was woken up in the middle of the night, about 4.30am, and [the fire] was terrifying. My first thought was to get the children out and we didn’t even have time to put on socks and shoes. The Red Cross have given us blankets, hot food and hygiene packs, but the best thing is they’ve come to talk to us, listen to what happened and assure us. The Red Cross have also passed on information from the firefighters about what’s happening back at the flats. I really couldn’t expect anything more from the Red Cross.”

“I’ve never really given to charity before but after the kindness and support the Red Cross have shown us every single day since the floods hit us, I will always give to them.”

What are you thankful for?

Images © Layton Thompson/British Red Cross

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Tags: emergency response, fire, floods, homecare, UK, wheelchair

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This entry was posted on Thursday, November 26th, 2009 at 4:18 pm and is filed under Health and social care. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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