Centennial Red Cross Clara Barton Society Campaign launched in Lowcountry

February 15, 2017

The American Red Cross announces the launch of the Clara Barton Society Campaign celebrating the Red Cross’s 100th year in the Lowcountry.

The Clara Barton Society Campaign is the organization’s annual major gift fundraising campaign to support the mission and services of the Red Cross of Lowcountry SC.

Photo at right: Katarina Fjording

This year’s Campaign is chaired by Katarina Fjording of Volvo Car Group. The Clara Barton Society honors businesses and individuals who share a sense of caring, commitment and compassion, generously expressed through their financial support of the Red Cross. Members of the Society are active partners in carrying out the work of the Red Cross. Membership in the Clara Barton Society begins with a financial contribution of $2,500 or more.

“Since coming to the Lowcountry, I have seen firsthand what an important role our local Red Cross plays in our communities, more so than in many other places,” Fjording said. “The need here is greater than in many other areas, in particular due to the serious weather threats. The 2015 flooding as well as last year’s Hurricane Matthew are some major examples of yearly disasters which require extraordinary resources and calls for hero support. Every two seconds, someone in the US is in need of blood and the Red Cross is there to help. The Red Cross provides over 40% of the nation’s blood supply.”

From providing aid after unspeakable tragedies, to feeding hungry children and caring for the sick, the American Red Cross has been saving lives in the Lowcountry since 1917. In the past 18 months alone, the Red Cross has helped people affected by historic flooding, Hurricane Matthew, tornadoes, and multiple apartment fires, as well as thousands of single family home fires. In the Lowcountry the Red Cross has installed more than 8,000 smoke alarms, helping protect more than 6,600 people from home fires. From health and safety classes, to lifesaving blood collection and support of military members, their families and veterans, the Red Cross is helping make our community safer and more prepared for what may come in the next 100 years.

Your support will ensure that the Red Cross will be there to provide relief, comfort and support, for another 100 years.

Fjording and the Red Cross invite individuals and members of the business community to learn more about the meaningful ways you can make a difference by becoming a member of the Clara Barton Society. If you would like to learn more about how you can make a difference in our community, please call Amanda Baldwin at 843-480-4235.

The American Red Cross of Lowcountry SC and its more than 1,300 volunteers proudly serve Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Georgetown, Hampton, Jasper, and Williamsburg counties and is part of the American Red Cross, Palmetto SC Region.