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Agenda Item No. 4(A) EL CERRITO CITY COUNCIL PROCLAMATION March 2014 is American Red Cross Month WHEREAS, March is American Red Cross Month, a special time to recognize and thank the Nation’s “Everyday Heroes,” those who reach out to help their neighbors when they are in need; and WHEREAS, American Red Cross Heroes are on the front lines every day. They volunteer their time, give blood, take lifesaving courses, or provide financial donations to help those in need; and WHEREAS, the City Council wishes all to remember our heroes here in the City of El Cerrito who assist people in need. They work tirelessly to help in time of disaster, when someone needs lifesaving blood, or the comfort of a helping hand. They provide round-the-clock support to members of the military, veterans and their families, and teach lifesaving classes in CPR, aquatics safety and first aid; and WHEREAS, across the country and around the world, the American Red Cross responded to hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and wildfires, the tragedy at the Boston Marathon, and Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines; and WHEREAS, in the past year, the 3,000 local volunteers of the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter helped more than 730 families with temporary housing, clothing, food, and emotional support during 433 local disasters. Our local Chapter trained more than 177,000 people in lifesaving CPR, first aid, water safety, and preparedness education. Our local Chapter provided emergency communications, counseling, financial assistance, and a caring presence to more than 8,000 local military families. Our local Chapter supported 28 Bay Area hospitals, providing them with nearly 75,000 units of red blood cells, platelets, and plasma to patients in need; and WHEREAS, we dedicate the month of March to all those who support the American Red Cross mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. Our community depends on the American Red Cross, which relies on donations of time, money, and blood to fulfill its humanitarian mission. NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of El Cerrito hereby proclaims March 2014 as American Red Cross Month in the City of El Cerrito and encourages all residents to support this organization and its noble humanitarian mission. Dated: March 4, 2014 Janet Abelson, Mayor