
Philanthropic giving in the spirit of St. Patrick's
On March 11 a massive 9.0-magnitude earthquake occurred near the northeastern coast of Japan, creating extremely destructive tsunami waves which hit Japan just minutes after the earthquake, and triggering evacuations and warnings across the Pacific Ocean. The earthquake and tsunami have caused extensive and severe damage in Northeastern Japan, leaving thousands of people confirmed dead, injured or missing, and millions more affected by lack of electricity, water and transportation.
When disaster strikes the first organization to offer immediate help is the Red Cross. The American Red Cross is working in every way to support the efforts of the Japanese Red Cross. The Red Cross has systems in place and is partnering with local, state and federal governments; community organizations; individuals; and corporate supporters to provide emergency shelter, food, health and mental health services, resources and referrals to aid in recovery. They also provide support to the emergency workers who are the first to respond when disaster strikes. This aid could not have taken place if The Red Cross did not build a solid infrastructure.
The American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts is our local chapter of the largest independent non-profit humanitarian organization in the world. Led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, it provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies such as the devastation in Japan. What many of us might do not realize that we do not need to look across the Pacific to see the efforts of our local Red Cross. In our own community we have been challenged this year by an extraordinary amount of disasters, responding to 100 fires since July 1st. To date 680 individuals have been displaced by fires in their homes and the Red Cross has responded to provide funds for food, clothing, shelter, medical prescriptions, infant supplies and more.
Although mandated by the Federal Government to provide disaster relief, the American Red Cross is not funded to do so. It must raise all the funds required to provide emergency assistance to our neighbors in need. For this reason Stephen Buchalter, President of Enterprise Cleaning Corporation, ha stepped forward to volunteer and serve in his first term on the American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts Board of Directors. In addition to serving on the Board, Steve is a member of the Red Cross Golf Committee. The annual Golf Tournament is the largest fund-raising event for the Red Cross chapter which serves 69 Towns and Cities in Central and North Central MA. Steve has been instrumental in bringing numerous sponsors and golfers to these type of events.
Gifts to the Disaster Relief Fund make it possible for the Red Cross to shelter, feed and counsel victims of disasters, from single family house fires to catastrophic natural disasters affecting thousands of people. The Disaster Relief Fund gives hope to someone who may have nothing left. Enterprise Cleaning Corporation is proud of the tireless efforts of the American Red Cross.
The Month of March has always been designated Red Cross month. Who would have known ahead of time the importance Red Cross would need to play in the lives of so many. As we come together on this Saint Patrick’s Day to celebrate, let us remember the values of charity and helping those who are in need of the basic necessities of life. Please consider joining Steve Buchalter and Enterprise Cleaning Corporation by supporting your our local Red Cross both by a monetary contribution as well as donation of time.
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day from the entire Enterprise Cleaning Corp. Staff