Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
RENO, Nev. (Sept. 18, 2024) — The American Red Cross of Northern Nevada announced today it has received a $10,000 grant from the NV Energy Foundation to support Red Cross disaster relief efforts, such as the response efforts during the Davis Fire.
“We take immense pride in our partnerships with nonprofit organizations that are transforming the lives of Nevadans,” said Ryan Bellows, NV Energy Vice President, Government and External Relations and an NV Energy Foundation Board Director. “Our support for the American Red Cross in Northern Nevada underscores our commitment to prioritizing customer safety and wellbeing.”
Red Cross of Northern Nevada volunteers and staff worked with first responders, local and state emergency management officials and other community partners to ensure evacuees of the Davis Fire had a safe place to sleep and a warm meal to eat. “This generous donation from the NV Energy Foundation will help ensure we can continue this vital work,” said Tiandra Rushing, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Nevada Chapter. “It will aid residents in Northern and Rural Nevada facing home fires, wildfires and other disasters.”
So far this year, the Red Cross of Northern Nevada has responded to over 75 home fires, assisting nearly 275 people. Last year, our teams supported nearly 250 residents affected by almost 100 home fires and installed more than 550 free smoke alarms in homes across Northern and Rural Nevada.
Supporting your community
Home fires are the nation’s most frequent disaster, often leaving families in urgent need of support. Rushing emphasized the critical role of the specialized Disaster Action Team volunteers, who are trained to provide emotional comfort, access to financial aid and essential guidance to aid families in their recovery. She added, “The presence of the Red Cross and its volunteers is instrumental in ensuring that displaced locals receive the vital support they need.”
Northern and Rural Nevada is in need of additional Disaster Action Team volunteers to ensure a swift response when disasters strike. Once trained, Red Cross disaster volunteers are prepared to respond to local emergencies, like home fires, offering immediate support on-site or remotely. With experience and further training, volunteers can also assist in major emergencies or disasters locally and nationwide. Explore disaster volunteer opportunities at redcross.org/DAT.
About the NV Energy Foundation
The NV Energy Foundation provides charitable grants to the nonprofit organizations and causes most important to NV Energy customers and the community including the environment, education, workforce development, and community wellbeing that addresses utility assistance, food insecurity, homelessness, affordable housing and public safety. In 2023, the foundation donated over $5.3 million to hundreds of nonprofit organizations across the state to address community needs. NV Energy employees also contributed more than 32,000 volunteer hours last year.
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 follow us on social media.