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havasu

havasu

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Greetings friends....

As some of you know, I have been a volunteer for the American Red Cross since Hurricane Katrina, whish occurred on August 31st, 2005. I just returned from a 2 week deployment in Redding, Cal, where we were housing hundreds of evacuees from the Carr Fire Complex.

Just to give you a bit more idea on what my specific job is, I am the manager in charge of the American Red Cross LSAP (life safety/asset protection) Unit. Our job is to keep our people and product safe, while we help those in need. This means we are the mobile police force for the ARC. Most of my workers are former military, police EMT's and fire fighters. We write lots of police type reports and liaise with state, local and federal officers. We ensure that everyone is in a safe environment while evacuated, and help the shelter workers with unruly clients, just to name some of our functions.

We work around the clock as needed and make recommendations to determine our staffing levels. I do alot of sitting and planning, and is my way of giving back to the communities who took care of me so well for 30 years.

My question to my friends here are:

Have you ever needed or used the assistance of the Red Cross?
What is your honest opinion of the Red Cross?
Have you ever volunteered for the Red Cross?

I know there are many misconceptions about us wasting money, the CEO making millions of $$, we are a bother in a disaster, etc, and would love to discuss this with anyone and everyone here.
 
Have you ever needed or used the assistance of the Red Cross? No
What is your honest opinion of the Red Cross? On a scale of 1 (worst then a politician) to 10 (equal to my mother) 8 or a 9
Have you ever volunteered for the Red Cross? No
 
The four top officers all get over 600,000 dollar per year salaries for total salaries of over 2.5 million dollars a year. The organization takes in over 2.7 billion dollars including the over 52.5 million in government grants. That is our tax dollars going to a corporation.
In 2017 they had $2,545,588,135 income and spent $2,499,301,107 and posted a loss of $132,593,797 when they should have shown an excess of $46,287,028.
They are playing with the numbers to look better than they are. They claim that over 89% of the collected funds go to goods and services yet there are at least 4 other charities that out perform them with over 90% going to goods and services.
Having been the CEO of a not profit corporation for 7 years, which was a volunteer position, I know that the officers also get a per diam in addition to their salaries. I accepted no compensation for my own expenses for the entire seven years. I am not a fan of the Red Cross because it is run as a business instead of a profitless service to those in need. I don't like that they take tax money. If I want to donate to a charity then I do that but having my tax money diverted without my approval is just theft.
 
In boot camp everyone was required to give blood to the RC like it or not.
I could not give for medical reasons and the company commander was not happy.
He did his best to force me but eventually he gave up.
Me and 2 others who didn't give polished a brass bell in the sun for 8 hours that day.
Not the RC fault but it still ticks me off.
I had to have the Red Cross verify my need to take emergency leave when my Grandpa was dying.
They helped make arraignments for me to fly home.
All that aside I am not a fan of the RC.
For that matter most all charity organizations.
Way too much money is spent on administrative fees.
 
One time I called our local Red Cross concerning a tornado that destroyed a community in another state. I was concerned about my brother who was in that area and had not answered his phone for two days. I was surprised the volunteer had no idea about this tornado, but we had a nice conversation and he was able to look up the tornado information on a website while I was on the phone. Maybe the Red Cross doesn't help with families looking for their loved ones during a disaster...idk

Years ago, I attended a meeting at the university that was hosted by the Red Cross. I don't remember why I was there, I might have been invited by a friend. Anyway, I noticed most of the attendees were students from the ESL department and barely spoke English. I thought the presenter was really good being able to reach everyone and was prepared by passing out two-pocket folders with handouts and phone numbers on magnets.

I don't volunteer for the Red Cross. I volunteer for Toys For Tots, the Food Pantry, and I Walk to End Alzheimer's. I really appreciate those who volunteer and I have made many wonderful friends thru volunteering. I met a couple, him and her, who volunteered for the Red Cross when their Red Cross vehicle was broke down at a large box store. I asked if they needed a ride and so I took them home. They said they could of called someone but it was about 2 in the morning. I was glad to help them.

I also remember the Red Cross being available during my time in the military. I never gave blood, but it was an option for us. The Red Cross helped a seaman on-board our ship get home when a family member passed away. I thought they did a good thing getting him home.

I'd like to take the First Aid/CPR/AED classes that are given by our local Red Cross, but so far I haven't had a day off or time to attend. But it is something I'd like to do.
 
backlash said:
In boot camp everyone was required to give blood to the RC like it or not.
I could not give for medical reasons and the company commander was not happy.
He did his best to force me but eventually he gave up.
Me and 2 others who didn't give polished a brass bell in the sun for 8 hours that day.
Not the RC fault but it still ticks me off.
I had to have the Red Cross verify my need to take emergency leave when my Grandpa was dying.
They helped make arraignments for me to fly home.
All that aside I am not a fan of the RC.
For that matter most all charity organizations.
Way too much money is spent on administrative fees.
Click to expand...

Although I do think the low rank and volunteers like Havasu here are great people and want to really help people I totally agree with you on this.
911 really peeved off a lot of people. And the Haiti thing too.
Elizabeth Dole was was ' awarded ,she sure as heck didn't earn any of it' between 1-2 million bucks a year when she was Prez.of RC.

In 1968 I went to Fort Benning in Columbus Ga to visit my cousin returning from V.Nam injured and in hospital,with my aunt.

She was broke but her son was in the VA hospital so we took a bus from Atlanta.
We had no food so she said " the RC will help us, so went there got refused and Aunt cussed them out for everything they were not worth. We had to call home for help. Our whole family at work and on drives always had given to them.

May the bird of paradise that landed in their pockets fly up their nose. Only those in high positions of course,not good people workign for them.

 
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After saying all that,,,,,,,,,,,,,I will have to say that I'm still glad fro those the RC helps have somebody there in times like these fires, so guess I just look on the negative side so I give it a 7 fro that. And Havasu and those like him I give a 10.
 
I recommend going to Charity Watch for true numbers.

https://www.charitywatch.org/ratings-and-metrics/american-red-cross/360

As far as Gail McGovern....

“Gail McGovern is our Red Cross president and CEO and is paid $500,000 a year — this is considered to be in the mid-range for a large nonprofit in the range of $3.4 billion a year.Jun 3, 2012

Being the past CEO for HP, her pay is trivial compared with what she brings in with corporate donors.

I know years ago, more fake news said that the American Red Cross only donated $.10 cents on the dollar. When in fact, it is at about $.90 cents on the dollar, giving it a B+ rating.

On a similar subject, are you folks aware that The Wounded Warrior Foundation spends much of its proceeds to fight the Second Amendment? I use to donate to them often until I found out they were trying to take away my rights to own a handgun.
 
DW helped with The Billy Graham's Disaster group.
They went places & did thing no other group would touch.
I give blood about once every 3 years.
Thank God I have never needed the RC or any other groups help.
ALL big groups waste money, it is the nature of the beast.
Good for you havasu, may all you do return to you four folds.
 
By the way, we had the Salvation Army do much of the feeding for the disaster we were on. Food was great and i have a new respect for this organization.

I don't volunteer for any applause. Many folks do. I met a gal recently who works for an organization called "Never Alone" or similar, who sit with terminally ill patients. That is such a worthy organization. God bless them!
 
havasu said:
I recommend going to Charity Watch for true numbers.

https://www.charitywatch.org/ratings-and-metrics/american-red-cross/360

As far as Gail McGovern....

“Gail McGovern is our Red Cross president and CEO and is paid $500,000 a year — this is considered to be in the mid-range for a large nonprofit in the range of $3.4 billion a year.Jun 3, 2012

Being the past CEO for HP, her pay is trivial compared with what she brings in with corporate donors.

I know years ago, more fake news said that the American Red Cross only donated $.10 cents on the dollar. When in fact, it is at about $.90 cents on the dollar, giving it a B+ rating.

On a similar subject, are you folks aware that The Wounded Warrior Foundation spends much of its proceeds to fight the Second Amendment? I use to donate to them often until I found out they were trying to take away my rights to own a handgun.
Click to expand...

We have donated to PVA for decades but not as much as we use to after finding out how much money goes into salary's. We do still give a little to PVA also don't have much to give now.
Why can't we try to help others and not feel like we are being swindled?
 
havasu said:
By the way, we had the Salvation Army do much of the feeding for the disaster we were on. Food was great and i have a new respect for this organization.

I don't volunteer for any applause. Many folks do. I met a gal recently who works for an organization called "Never Alone" or similar, who sit with terminally ill patients. That is such a worthy organization. God bless them!
Click to expand...

God bless any org who truly helps those who truly need it.
 
havasu said:
On a similar subject, are you folks aware that The Wounded Warrior Foundation spends much of its proceeds to fight the Second Amendment? I use to donate to them often until I found out they were trying to take away my rights to own a handgun.
Click to expand...
Yes they are serious anti gunners.
They will never get anything from me.
 
@havasu Thanks for your volunteer effort :)

Have you ever needed or used the assistance of the Red Cross? Thankfully, not yet.
What is your honest opinion of the Red Cross? They provide support to people in need or crisis, and support many local events to benefit the community. Here in the Cincinnati area, the "ham radio group(QCEN)" of the Red Cross provides back up or emergency communications for several local events,i.e. Bike rides, Marathons/races (Flying Pig, Queen Bee), etc.
Have you ever volunteered for the Red Cross? Yes, My last volunteer event with them was "Sound the Alarm", installing free smoke detectors to residents that needed them.
 
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havasu said:
I recommend going to Charity Watch for true numbers.

https://www.charitywatch.org/ratings-and-metrics/american-red-cross/360

As far as Gail McGovern....

“Gail McGovern is our Red Cross president and CEO and is paid $500,000 a year — this is considered to be in the mid-range for a large nonprofit in the range of $3.4 billion a year.Jun 3, 2012

Being the past CEO for HP, her pay is trivial compared with what she brings in with corporate donors.

I know years ago, more fake news said that the American Red Cross only donated $.10 cents on the dollar. When in fact, it is at about $.90 cents on the dollar, giving it a B+ rating.

On a similar subject, are you folks aware that The Wounded Warrior Foundation spends much of its proceeds to fight the Second Amendment? I use to donate to them often until I found out they were trying to take away my rights to own a handgun.
Click to expand...

Sorry but once an excuse is used to pay a "CEO" $500,000 a year since it is "mid range pay" for a NON PROFIT the conversation is over. I have worked for a "non profit" for years and guess what, while the lower level paid employees make squat they use the same justifications to have an over payed person at the helm. No, not donating. I don't care how trivial her pay is compared to donations. $500,000 would go a long way for others in crisis. I could go on but I won't since it won't change anyone's mind but my own.

So, in response;

Have you ever needed or used the assistance of the Red Cross? Yes; our house burned to the ground. Everything I owned after that was in my school locker. We received $50.00 in assistance.
What is your honest opinion of the Red Cross? See above but to be blunt, they are a wasteful entity.
Have you ever volunteered for the Red Cross? Yes but not on long term or out of area.
 
I'm sorry to hear this. Unfortunately, the American Red Cross is not a replacement bank for people to recover their assets. Back in the days of Hurricane Katrina, we had "Client Cards", which were credit cards loaded with $1,000, and were able to hand out to clients as a way to pick up some essentials until the Feds take over and set up low interest, long term loans through FEMA. The ARC responds just after the first responders and make sure you (and police, fire, and anyone affected) receive blankets, food, snacks, and even a hotel room for a night or two, and provide you assistance with contacting FEMA, your insurance agency, your relatives and other longer term entities.
 
havasu said:
I recommend going to Charity Watch for true numbers.

https://www.charitywatch.org/ratings-and-metrics/american-red-cross/360

As far as Gail McGovern....

“Gail McGovern is our Red Cross president and CEO and is paid $500,000 a year — this is considered to be in the mid-range for a large nonprofit in the range of $3.4 billion a year.Jun 3, 2012

Being the past CEO for HP, her pay is trivial compared with what she brings in with corporate donors.

I know years ago, more fake news said that the American Red Cross only donated $.10 cents on the dollar. When in fact, it is at about $.90 cents on the dollar, giving it a B+ rating.

On a similar subject, are you folks aware that The Wounded Warrior Foundation spends much of its proceeds to fight the Second Amendment? I use to donate to them often until I found out they were trying to take away my rights to own a handgun.
Click to expand...

Wounded Warriors were outed for taking expensive getaways, such as places like Dana Point. They are like many charities. They appeal to bleeding hearts, and use a small fraction of their money for what they claim. They have created an organization to acquire wealth for the founders.
 
I've heard the stories about the Red Cross. I don't have a high opinion. Your involvement is making me reassess.

I am aware of the 2A stance of Wounded Warriors. I was able to notify a fairly active site that was giving them free advertising and they cut that off toot sweet. They have constructed a resort at a remote site near my parents for the benefit of the warriors. Funny thing is that to get there you must pass my parents and we never see any wounded warriors. A nice private resort for management that gets written off to program expense?
 
The last time I was in New York, there were a bunch of Wounded Warriors in the bar at my Marriott Hotel, and the hotel was paid for by the Wounded Warrior's Project. Instead of donating to the project, I gave the bartender my credit card and I picked up the tab for those heroes all night.Darn guys drank like fish and it cost me ~ $500, but well worth it.
 
Our 28th U.S. President Woodrow Wilson kept a flock of sheep on the white house lawn...

"The sight of sheep grazing on the south lawn of the White House may seem unusual, but during World War I, it was a highly visible symbol of home front support of the troops overseas. The flock, which numbered 48 at its peak, saved manpower by cutting the grass and earned $52,823 for the Red Cross through an auction of their wool."


https://www.whitehousehistory.org/q...keep-a-flock-of-sheep-on-the-white-house-lawn
 
havasu said:
The last time I was in New York, there were a bunch of Wounded Warriors in the bar at my Marriott Hotel, and the hotel was paid for by the Wounded Warrior's Project. Instead of donating to the project, I gave the bartender my credit card and I picked up the tab for those heroes all night.Darn guys drank like fish and it cost me ~ $500, but well worth it.
Click to expand...

:heart::great:
 
I prefer to help local people. I have bought several tanks of fuel for veterans going to va hospital and took up money for families of military overseas. I also helped out some people with clothes and food when their homes burned down. Also help any way I can with anyone who needs it. But as always I make sure my elderly parents are taken care of first. My husband's parents are deceased.
 
The American Red Cross was not in a foreign country. There is the International Red Cross, which will help anyone from any foreign lands, who are probably involved, but there is no connection other than the big red cross. The International Red Cross are usually the entity who checked on prisoners in Afghanistan, Turkey, and yes, even Mexico.
 
From what
The Lazy L said:
Where does the International Red Cross get it's funding?

Is the American Red Cross a completely different and separate entity from the International Red Cross?
Click to expand...

I have read they are 2 separate entities.
However the American RC does give money to the International RC.
The INRC seems to be another anti American organization.
I stopped supporting the ARC years ago because of their policies.
https://www.npr.org/2016/06/16/4820...fundamental-concerns-about-red-cross-finances
 
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