Seventy years of answering the call

The Editor,

I’d like to give a thumbs down to the people who park on the corner of Whitewood and Thornwood Roads on Sunday, and sometimes Saturday, mornings so they can run or walk around the block.

Some of the cars arrive anytime from 5am to 6am and this is when our own dogs and the neighbouring dogs start barking.

Some of the people out this way are shift workers and really need to have a sleep-in on the weekend.

Dubbo has such a great running track along the river – please make use of it rather than waking us up out this way, or better still, go park in the forest and go for a run.

We need a break.

Name withheld (for privacy reasons), Dubbo The Editor,

Every March for 70 years, thousands of volunteers have made a wonderful contribution to our community during Red Cross Calling. They’ve knocked on their neighbour’s doors, said hello and their combined efforts have raised millions.

I’d like to send a massive thanks to the thousands of schools, businesses, community organisations and our dedicated Red Cross members who’ve answered the call over the years.

All of that effort has gone a long way, allowing Red Cross to help where we’re needed most; from providing support during and after disasters, to making phone calls to check on the isolated and elderly to helping communities make a better future for themselves.

So many extraordinary volunteers here in NSW have also gone the extra mile – not just raising money but also reaching out to their neighbours, asking how they’re going and checking on their wellbeing.

Red Cross Calling is more than a fundraiser – it gives us a reason to connect and volunteer for the sake of our community. Research shows that volunteering and helping in our neighbourhoods helps us live happier, longer lives.

These volunteers make Australia a special place to live. This year we aim to double the number of volunteers in NSW. Will you be one of them? Join the fun today: redcrosscalling.org.au or call 1800 RED CROSS (733 276). You can also contact your local Red Cross Branch so you can join their efforts.

Jody Broun

Director, NSW/ACT

Australian Red Cross