With the holiday season coming quick, it’s that time of year to start giving. Join Noozhawk this year in celebrating #GivingTuesday as we give back to the nonprofits in our community. Noozhawk has teamed up with local nonprofits to encourage you to giveback on #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving fueled by the power of collaboration.
Noozhawk had the opportunity to speak with Tony Briggs, Regional Chief Executive Officer at the American Red Cross of the Pacific Coast, to learn more about how the nonprofit mobilizes the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
American Red Cross of the Pacific Coast
Question: What is the name & mission of your nonprofit?
Answer: American Red Cross of the Pacific Coast and our mission is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.
Q: Why is your mission important to you?
A: Looking back on the conversations I have had with fellow Red Crossers and leaders in the community, even in the face of some of the most historic disasters in California this community has remained resilient. The days, weeks and months following disasters like the Thomas Fire brought an outpouring of new volunteers, thoughtful messages, and support to help those affected as they recover. It’s that spirit that has become a strong reminder of our mission to help prevent and alleviate human suffering.
The Red Cross has been and will continue to be with our community every step of the way. I am so proud to work alongside such a wonderful group of humanitarians and it has everything to do with the great community we live and work in.
This team truly operates under the most challenging circumstances and continuously does so with grace, cooperation, and spirit. The mission is what brought me to the Red Cross, but our team is what keeps me here.
Q: In what ways does your nonprofit utilize it’s funding?
A: The Red Cross is proud that an average of 90 cents of every dollar we spend is invested in delivering care and comfort to those in need. As the world’s largest humanitarian organization, we are able to use those donations to reach more people in need, more quickly. Sometimes that means helping a family after a home fire, or an entire community after a large disaster, or supporting the servicemen and women who defend our freedoms and their loved ones at home.
Q: What is one best kept secret or fun fact about your nonprofit that not everyone knows?
A: When most people think of the Red Cross, the first thing that comes to mind is disaster relief or training services like CPR and first aid, however, we do amazing work in home fire prevention and safety. If a fire starts in your home you may have as little as two minutes to escape. That’s why early warnings from a working smoke alarm plus a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives. Together with community partners we install free smoke alarms throughout the community and help educate families on home fire safety.
If you or a loved one needs working smoke alarms in your home, you can request an appointment by visiting endhomefires.org and Red Cross volunteers will contact you to schedule your appointment.
Q: Can you tell us one success story from your nonprofit?
A: Nearly two years after the historic Thomas Fire and Montecito Debris Flow, a volunteer team lead by Lynda Nahra and Claude Dorais brought together the community to fully fund a brand new, state-of-the-art emergency response vehicle to serve our community. Designed to last for 15 years, the previous emergency response vehicle was forced into retirement after the Thomas Fire and the subsequent debris flow after more than 23 years of service to communities impacted by disaster in Santa Barbara County and across the country.
We use these emergency response vehicles to help families affected by disaster where volunteers can distribute a warm blanket, a hot meal or disaster relief supplies. It’s the generosity and heart of people in our community who help us make a greater impact in the lives of those affected by disaster.
Q: What makes your nonprofit different from others?
A: During a disaster, human beings need help to stay safe and sustain life, no matter what their nationality, cultural background or citizenship status. When an emergency happens, the Red Cross is going to deliver help to whomever needs it from feeding, sheltering, emotional support and other assistance. Often, people think the Red Cross is a government agency, but we are not. Individuals who have disaster-caused needs do not need to be American citizens to access Red Cross services.
Q: How do people get involved/volunteer for your nonprofit?
A: It’s simple! If you have a heart for service, we would love to have you. There is so much more than just responding to disasters and we have a great need for volunteers. You can visit our chapter office to learn more or visit redcross.org/volunteer to sign up.
Q: What is the biggest obstacle your nonprofit has faced or currently faces and how did you overcome it?
A: Every disaster is different and it has become more important than ever to ensure we adapt our resources to meet the needs of the people we serve. That means having a volunteer base that is representative of the communities we serve and having the right partnerships in place prior to a disaster. Our most impactful work is done after the emergency phase of a response. We turn to helping people recover and addressing lingering community needs. Working together with community leaders, government and relief agencies is a critical area of importance for us as work to help those impacted rebuild.
Q: How does the work of your nonprofit get communicated to the public?
A: Our volunteers, staff and Board of Directors serve as ambassadors for the work we do day in and day out. They embody the spirit of our organization and simply do amazing work. You can follow along with what we’re doing in the community by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Q: How long has your nonprofit been in service and whom was it started by?
A: Our chapter has been serving Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties for more than 100 years and is part of the American Red Cross which was founded by Clara Barton 138 years ago.
Click HERE to make a donation to the American Red Cross of the Pacific Coast.