Red Cross Celebrates Mohawk Valley Volunteers
UTICA, NY (June 29, 2015) – The American Red Cross of the Mohawk Valley marked the end of its 2014-2015 fiscal year on Thursday, June 25 with a celebration of local volunteers. Eleven of the Chapter’s more than 300 registered volunteers were honored with special awards, alongside two partner organizations whose efforts have helped to advance the Red Cross mission in the Mohawk Valley over the last year.
Speaking at the event, Mallory Brown, Executive Director for the American Red Cross of the Mohawk Valley, highlighted the Chapter’s recent accomplishments. “In the last year, across Oneida, Herkimer, Otsego and Delaware counties, we’ve responded to 105 local disasters and provided assistance to 161 families in need; we trained 5,142 people in lifesaving skills like first aid and CPR; and we helped to collect 20,898 units of blood in our region,” she said. “None of this work would be possible without the dedication of our volunteers. It is truly an honor and a privilege to be able to serve alongside them every day.”
Led by Brown, the Red Cross presented awards to the following distinguished volunteers:
- Brandi Candido of Utica – Clara Barton Volunteer Leadership Award
- Steven Boddie of Bridgewater – Disaster Cycle Services Award
- Mario Caracas of Utica – Exceptional Ombudsman Service Award
- Donna Luck-Martin of Chadwicks – Health & Safety Services Award
- Donna Mulford of Fly Creek – Blood Services Award
- Shirin Rashid of Rome – Blood Services Certificate of Appreciation
- Garrick Hoadley of Gilbertsville – Otsego County Volunteer of the Year
- Linda Fox of Middleville – Herkimer County Volunteer of the Year
- Elinor Oles of Walton – Delaware County Volunteer of the Year
- Thomas Rondeau of Whitesboro – Oneida County Volunteer of the Year
- Mike Witkowski of Sauquoit – First Aid Station Volunteer of the Year
The Red Cross also recognized the Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees and the City of Utica with Good Neighbor awards during Thursday night’s event. These partner organizations were acknowledged for playing critical roles in the success of the Red Cross’ Restoring Family Links program and Home Fire Preparedness Campaign, respectively.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.
For more information, please visit www.redcross.org
