Red Cross works highlighted

By Paul Dunlop
PAKENHAM Red Cross raised more than $30,000 to help people in need in the past 12 months.
The work done by Red Cross in the local district and around the world was emphasised at the Pakenham Red Cross branch’s recent annual general meeting.
Another highlight was the election of new president Pam Johns.
Retiring branch president Rae Webster thanked members for their huge effort during the year.
She made special mention of the $19,000 raised for the tsunami relief effort and $10,000 from Red Cross Calling, as well as $1200 from morning teas, luncheons and raffles.
A highlight of the meeting was the keynote address from Red Cross Australia chairman Richard Stone, who addressed almost 40 people at the annual general meeting.
Mr Stone spoke of his involvement with Red Cross and the worldwide charity organisation’s efforts to raise funds for aid projects and other worthy causes.
This year, Red Cross would raise half a billion dollars, Mr Stone said.
Mr Stone presented 10year service medals to Florence Martin and Elva Elliott, as well as certificates of appreciation to Cardinia Shire councillor Kate Lempriere for council and shire staff acknowledging their donations.
Mr Stone also took the chair for the election of office bearers for 200506.
Pam Johns was elected president with other office bearers including Meryl Waterhouse (secretary and publicity officer), Lyn Stephenson (treasurer), Lorna Giles (blood bank) and Rae Webster (regional representative).
Cr Lempriere donated two tickets to be raffled for the Open Garden Day to be held over the weekend of 19 and 20 November.
Five local gardens will be open.
The mobile blood bank recently visited Pakenham over three days and many donors attended.
The next visits at the Cardinia Cultural Centre will be 79 November.