Heckler Koch announces Partnership with Local Red Cross and Issues Corporate Challenge to Support Haiti Relief
West Central Georgia Chapter
Mitzi Middleton and her mom attend Steve Studds Disaster Assessment Training
Volunteers practice a mobile feeding operation.
West Central Georgia Chapter
West Central Georgia Chapter
The Chapter recently held a Disaster Drill responding to the above scenario of an impending hurricane with expectations of evacuees and the potential for damage in Columbus and other service area counties. More than 40 Chapter volunteers and staff participated in the drill under the direction of Gaines Harman. Harman is the Meriwether Co. Disaster Chairman. He was assisted by Chapter Disaster Chairman, Don DeRoche.
A mock shelter was organized in the gymnasium of St. Luke Church. Breakout sessions included training in Damage Assessment, Mass Care, and Red Cross Volunteer Nurse response. Following the exercise, Harman was encouraged with the positive feedback and impressed with the progress in identifying both strengths and weaknesses in disaster response. “The expertise and to learn from our volunteer force should give our community great confidence in the ability to respond to any type of disaster we face,” said Harman. He added that another drill is planned for February to include “evacuees.”
Heckler Koch President, Wayne Weber, and HK Operations Manager, Richard Grantham, present a Corporate Challenge donation for relief to Haiti to Chapter Executive Director, Sharon Lyon, and Development Director, Mitzi Oxford.
Heckler Koch—USA President Wayne Weber announced a partnership with the West Central GA Chapter which includes a commitment of $10,000 a year for the next 3 years at a Press Conference held at the Chapter House Wednesday, January 27. Community leaders, Red Cross Board members and local media were on hand as Mr. Weber talked about the important work of Red Cross for families in crisis and for soldiers and their families.
“As someone whose Mother lived through Hurricane Katrina and who has served in the military,” said Weber, “I feel supporting Red Cross is the right thing to do and Heckler Koch is committed to this partnership with Red Cross and this community.”Weber also initiated a challenge on behalf of Heckler Koch in support of Red Cross relief in Haiti. “Today we challenge every business, large and small, to donate and match Heckler Koch’s donation of $1000 or give more, if they can. Right now Red Cross needs us and Haiti needs Red Cross,” Weber added.Red Cross Leadership Advisory Council Chairman Bob Poydasheff commended Weber and Columbus Operations Manager, Richard Grantham, in support of disaster relief in Haiti and the great benefits of Heckler Koch’s financial support, especially for Red Cross services to military families.Mitzi Oxford noted the Heckler Koch motto “No Compromise” was most appropriate for the partnership as it represents the attitude of Red Cross staff and volunteers in delivering Help and Hope down the street, across the country, and around the world when it’s needed most.RED CROSS ALWAYS READY TO RESPOND
WHATS NEW
More recently, Chapter staff and volunteers offered food, water and shelter in the Midtown area of Columbus hit by tornadoes in April. The Chapter also responded to a fire July 30 at Ralston Towers after residents were evacuated to First Baptist Church. Red Cross provided food, water and comfort to 169 displaced residents.
Almost every day, the Red Cross answers the call for help when a fire destroys a family home anywhere in the Chapter’s 8 county service area. These are referred to as “silent disasters.” Seldon do they headlines, but they are no less devastating to the families impacted. It’s crucial for Red Cross to stay “ready” at a moments notice – especially this time of year
when hurricanes can route hundreds,if not thousands, of evacuees to our community.
