Chelsea Davies, pictured, started volunteering for the British Red Cross during the pandemic
A group of Cardiff based volunteers have come together in a fundraising effort to support the British Red Cross through an online auction launching on the 8th May.
The charity, which is now in its second year of responding to coronavirus, has reached more than 1.5 million people in the UK since the start of the pandemic, supporting those hardest hit by providing practical and emotional support through their national support line, getting cash grants, food and other essential supplies to people in urgent need. Red Cross volunteers have also been supporting the vaccination roll-out in Cardiff since mid-January.
The launch of the online auction coincides with World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, an annual celebration of the work of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement across the world. The auction will run for a full week until 15th May at 9pm and bids will be taken online at www.jumblebee.co.uk/redcrossauction
Items have been kindly donated by local and national businesses and all funds raised will go towards supporting British Red Cross services in Cardiff, the UK and abroad. Welsh coffee roastery based in Canton, Hard Lines donated four bags of their delicious locally roasted coffee. Other items in the auction include vouchers for baked goods, spices from local refugee charity Oasis, and locally crafted items.
Chelsea Davies, from Cardiff is one of the volunteers of the Cardiff fundraising group, which came together during lockdown to raise money, supporting local services and emergency appeals. Chelsea, who works for Chapter Arts Centre and has previous experience in fundraising and events, wanted to volunteer for the Red Cross because she wanted to make a difference and help others whilst being stuck at home during the pandemic. She said:
“I saw how the Red Cross was helping here in the UK during the pandemic and wanted to get involved with fundraising for them to help them carry out this essential work. I saw the sacrifices of key workers and NHS staff and wanted to help in some small way. I found that Cardiff businesses were really receptive to donating goods to the auction, despite the hard year that lots of small businesses have had. It was great to see the charitable spirit still going strong and we’re very grateful for all the donations.”
British Red Cross senior fundraiser Jess Burden said: “We’re incredibly grateful for the amazing work the fundraising group has managed during lockdown. All the volunteers and staff across our services have worked so hard supporting people throughout the pandemic and I know it means so much when they can feel local support from their communities.”
To visit the online auction go to www.jumblebee.co.uk/redcrossauction
For more information about British Red Cross go to www.redcross.org.uk
