Written by Guethshina Altena, American Red Cross Public Affairs
While the first of the month is nearly over, it’s never too late to set resolutions that can inspire growth. The beginning of a new year, even now, is an opportunity for a fresh start, with new goals and aspirations to conquer. After 366 days in 2024, everyone has the chance to start anew, tackle new obstacles and grow in unexpected ways. The year 2025 may bring challenges and hurdles, but you can set yourself up for success with the resolutions you set to accomplish in the coming months. Here are a few New Year resolutions to inspire you in the new year.
1. Volunteer in your community.
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” He meant that helping others can help you discover yourself, give you a sense of purpose, and help you feel more connected to your community. Volunteering your time can be a profound experience to engage in causes you care about and join a movement bigger than yourself.
According to research, volunteerism improves health by strengthening the body, improving mood and lessening stress in participants. Consider adding volunteering to your resolutions this year and experience the benefits for yourself. If you are not sure where to start, consider the volunteering opportunities offered by the Red Cross. You can volunteer virtually or in-person, at a time that is convenient for you.
Right now, the need to help has never been greater. Join us to provide relief and hope when it matters most. Visit redcross.org/SFLvolunteer and get started today.
Some of our most needed volunteer positions include:
- Disaster Action Team (DAT): Help families in your community after a home fire or other disaster. DAT team members provide emotional support, emergency financial assistance and information to help families begin to recover.
- Hero Care Caseworker: Support members of the military, their families and our veterans. Hero Care casework volunteers help provide emergency communications and critical services to military families all over the world.
2. Get CPR certified.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving skill anyone can learn to restart a person's breathing and heartbeat during an emergency. Learning how to perform CPR can save lives. According to the American Heart Association, if performed immediately, CPR can double or triple the chance of survival from an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
The certification empowers you with knowledge and skills on how to help someone in an emergency medical situation. The information you gain could potentially help you save the lives of a friend, a coworker, a family member, or even a spouse. Take a lifesaving class and get CPR certified in 2025.
3. Donate blood.
The need for blood is constant. Your contribution can help new parents, cancer patients and accident victims have access to safe, lifesaving blood. Blood can be safely donated every 56 days, up to six times a year and donors of all blood types and ethnicities are vital to ensuring the right blood products are available when and where they’re needed. Eligible donors can feel good knowing that, by donating through the Red Cross, they may be helping patients not only in their community, but also across the nation.
4. Donate to a cause of your choosing.
The world is filled with organizations and people wanting to make a difference, including the Red Cross. It is because of the generosity of our donors, that the Red Cross can fulfill its mission of alleviating suffering in the face of emergencies, and we are proud that that an average of 90 cents of every dollar spent is invested in delivering care and comfort to those in need. Now more than ever, donations are needed to help people affected by the 2025 California wildfires following massive destruction in the area.
Help people affected by the 2025 California Wildfires. Your donation enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from these disasters. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text the word CAWILDFIRES to 90999 to make a donation.
Donating your money to a cause you care about can be a powerful way to contribute to something good and empower yourself in 2025.
5. Sponsor or attend a charity event.
Another way to empower yourself this year is to attend a charity event. Charity events are one of the ways non-profits raise money for their causes. This year, a resolution to attend one of them can be a unique and noble experience. Consider attending the 40th American Red Cross Ball and 5th Party in Red happening on March 1st at the JW Marriott Marquis. Lear more at redcross.org/RedCrossBallMiami.
While you work on your New Year resolution, the Red Cross can provide you with resources and information that can help you do it effectively. If you would like more information about how to get involved with the South Florida American Red Cross Chapter, please visit redcross.org/SouthFlorida.