Type of Volunteering: Monetary donation
Organization: American Red Cross Wyoming Region
Outcome: Support those affected by Wyoming’s Mullen Fire
As we at RMI continue to celebrate our 30th anniversary by giving back to our community, our attention has turned to the nearby wildfires that have been burning for months. The firefighters working to combat these fires have everything they need, but thousands of civilians have been affected as well. In an effort to support those affected, we chose to a donation to the American Red Cross Wyoming Region as our October #GiveBack.
Here in Wyoming, the Mullen Fire has been burning since Sept. 17 and, as of Nov. 6, burned 176,878 acres. Just across our southern border, Colorado has been battling both the largest (Cameron Peak Fire; 208,913 acres) and second-largest (East Troublesome Fire; 193,812 acres) wildfires in state history. These fires have affected health, homes, livestock and livelihoods, not to mention reduced air quality and nearly $2 million in damages.
Despite doing all we can to protect ourselves and our families, we never know when we might find ourselves in need of some help. The Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers (which make up about 90% of its workforce) and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.
In a year that has brought seemingly one hardship after another, we are very grateful for organizations like the Red Cross that work to help their neighbors and make the world a better place.
If you’d like to find out more information about the Red Cross or are interested in donating to wildfire relief, visit their website at https://www.redcross.org/local/wyoming.html.
Written by: Nicole Lebsack, Creative Development & Communications Manager