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Agenda Item No. 5(B) CITY OF EL CERRITO PROCLAMATION March 2012 is American Red Cross Month WHEREAS, the American Red Cross has touched many lives in El Cerrito, as well as across the country and around the world and during American Red Cross Month, we thank those who contribute to the mission of the Red Cross, whether through time, money or blood, and we invite others to support the Red Cross in helping people in need; and WHEREAS, the American Red Cross is synonymous with helping people, and has been doing so for more than 130 years. Throughout the past year, the American Red Cross launched hundreds of disaster relief operations in the United States to help people affected by fires, floods, hurricanes and tornadoes. The American Red Cross also supported major international disasters, including the Japan earthquake and tsunami response, while continuing its work on the 201 0 Haiti earthquake response and recovery; and WHEREAS, in El Cerrito, the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter works tirelessly through its nearly 1,000 volunteers to support us when disaster strikes, when someone needs life-saving blood, or the comfort of a helping hand. It provides 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families, and provides training in CPR, aquatics safety, and first aid; and WHEREAS, the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter helped over 1,405 people with temporary housing, clothing, food and mental health counseling during 392 local disasters last year alone; trained over 117,345 people in lifesaving CPR, First Aid, and water safety and over 173,555 individuals received preparedness training. The local Bay Area Chapter also provided emergency communications, counseling, financial assistance and a caring presence to over 1,810 local military families; and supported 31 Bay Area hospitals, providing them with nearly 150,000 units of red cells, platelets and plasma to patients in need; and WHEREAS, for nearly 100 years, United States Presidents have called on the American people to support the Red Cross and its humanitarian mission. Our community depends on the American Red Cross and because it is not a government agency, the Red Cross depends on support from the public to continue its humanitarian work. This is especially important in these challenging economic times - which impact the Red Cross and many people in our community and across the nation. NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of El Cerrito hereby proclaims March 2012 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 6, 2012 William C. Jones, III, Mayor