by Allison Flexner

This holiday season, the American Red Cross of Georgia took an evening to celebrate some of its major corporate partners who ensure the Red Cross is able to fulfill its lifesaving mission every day.

“Because of the generosity of companies headquartered right here in Georgia we are able to deliver on our mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering, especially as we respond to disasters that are significantly larger, impacting communities at a much higher rate,” said Regional Executive Alicia Doherty who thanked each partner for their support.

The recognition event was hosted by The Weather Group, the parent company of The Weather Channel. Their president, Tom O’Brien, kicked it off, noting the alignment between the Red Cross and his company. 

“Our mission here is to protect and save lives which I think will resonate with people here at the Red Cross. We do that by making sure people understand severe weather threats,” said O’Brien, who is on the Red Cross Greater Atlanta board and serves on the national Climate Crisis Advisory Taskforce.

With the growing frequency and intensity of severe weather, the Red Cross is racing to adapt its services and grow its disaster response capacity across the country. 

Morgan Spencer, the Senior Development Director for Climate Change and Sustainability at the American Red Cross, spoke about how the Red Cross is preparing to help more people more often through its ambitious plan in response to the climate crisis.   

She detailed how the Red Cross is building resiliency in vulnerable communities both before and after disasters. This is done through increased resources, expanded financial assistance and more volunteers who know their own communities.

“We’re putting specialized targeted teams in those communities to do hyperlocal partnerships and tailor what we need to do to what that community needs because what you need in Yazoo County, MS, is not what you need in Butte County, CA,” said Spencer.

In 2023, corporate partner support was critical as the climate crisis took a devastating toll on families across Georgia. Hurricane Idalia ravished communities here and in Florida. A spate of tornadoes swept the state in the spring.  Northwest Georgia is experiencing Exceptional Drought, increasing the risk of fires, according to the state’s Climate Office.

“We are out there every day seeing all these folks who rely on us, and we are able to do that because of volunteers, partners, and supporters like you. Thank you all,” Spencer closed.

Visit redcross.org/georgia for more information about how you can support the work of the American Red Cross of Georgia.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.