27 July 2007
For further information Mandy George
Contact number 020 7877 7524 / out of hours 07659 145095 ageorge@redcross.org.uk
The Revival of the Red Cross Food Parcel
The British Red Cross is delivering food parcels to the most vulnerable people affected by the UK flooding, reminiscent of aid operations during the World Wars as the charity undergoes its largest domestic emergency relief operation since the Second World War.
Volunteers have been hard at work making up 2,000 food parcels donated by Tesco for distribution from the Red Cross’ emergencies warehouse in Warmley near Bristol. Each contains enough food and other essential items for one person for one week.
As in the Second World War, most of the items in the food parcels are for eating cold and uncooked while still covering major food groups and nutritional requirements. The predominantly tinned items bring back memories of the famous parcel known as the ‘Red Cross Lifeline’ provided for Prisoners of War and Civilian Internees during both World Wars. Thanks to the work of the Red Cross, food and personal items were sent across hazardous territory to keep those affected healthy and make their lives more bearable.
Ian Rideout from the British Red Cross has been distributing food parcels to those affected by the current crisis from a flood rescue boat in Gloucestershire. Ian comments: “Many of the people we are helping remember the old Red Cross food parcels, although they never thought that they would see the day when one was delivered to them again, and this time in a boat!”
Jim Robinson, 71, from Gloucestershire received a British Red Cross food parcel at his flooded house. “I remember the old Red Cross food parcels from the war. I was a little boy then. This assistance is much appreciated because we’ve had no help at all. This is the worst flooding we’ve ever had. I take my hat off to the Red Cross. Thank you very much indeed.”
Leigh Daynes, spokesman for the British Red Cross, said: “The British Red Cross has been at the forefront of the response to this emergency. Working in partnership with the statutory and emergency services, we have been able to bring practical relief and comfort to those in need. These modern day food parcels are strikingly similar to those we delivered in the Second World War. They are a vital lifeline in addition to the support other organisations are providing.”
Tesco has been quick to assist the British Red Cross by donating food parcel contents. Vehicles and volunteer drivers from Land Rover have assisted in the distribution of aid to people in flood-affected areas.
ENDS
Notes to editors
· Photos of both recent food parcels and Second World War food parcels are available. Please contact Mandy George on 020 7877 7524 / ageorge@redcross.org.uk
· Food Parcel contents include:
2007 Floods Food Parcel contents World War II Food Parcel contents
· tinned meat
· tinned fish
· packets plain biscuits
· peanut butter
· tins canned fruit
· cereal bars
· breakfast cereal
· packs rye crackers
· cartons long life milk
· tinned potatoes
· sandwich spread
· cartons fruit juice
· box breakfast cereal
· To donate to the British Red Cross National Floods Appeal go to: www.redcross.org.uk/floodsappeal or call 0845 054 7200.
Donations can also be made by post to:
British Red Cross National Floods Appeal
FREEPOST RLSA - XLXK-SXKZ
London EC2Y 9AL
· The British Red Cross is Tesco Charity of the Year for 2007
The British Red Cross helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. We are part of a global voluntary network, responding to conflicts, natural disasters and individual emergencies.
We enable vulnerable people in the UK and abroad to prepare for and withstand emergencies
in their own communities. And when the crisis is over, we help them to recover and move on
with their lives.
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