Red Cross salutes two volunteers

Date: 1/17/2011

GREATER SPRINGFIELD — What do we call people that, with willing hearts, give to their community week after week, year after year, expecting nothing in return? We call them volunteers.

At the American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter, more than 100 volunteers know the satisfaction of helping others. The chapter is pleased to salute Jim Donahue of Springfield and George Robichaud of Monson for their dedication to the American Red Cross.

Jim Donahue has volunteered at the Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter for 40 years and received his 40 year pin on Oct. 26 at the American Red Cross Blood Services Volunteer Luncheon at the Knights of Columbus in Chicopee. He donated his time over the years as a volunteer in just about every department of the chapter including the Disaster Action Team and Service to Armed Forces Call Center. He also served as the chapter safety officer, conducting building inspections and making sure the chapter was compliant with OSHA regulations.

"Here's someone that has committed his time and talent and is dedicated to our organization, not only to our mission and the clients we serve, but as part of the team," said Brenda Brouillette, deputy director of chapter services for the Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter. "Jim has been instrumental in mentoring and training new volunteers. He inspires the other volunteers to try to get their 40 year pins."

George Robichaud not only served the community as the Fire Chief in Monson, he has also been volunteering with the Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter for four decades. He is currently in is 44th year as a Red Cross volunteer and received his Volunteer Appreciation Pin in August at the chapter's annual picnic. Robichaud has served the chapter for 43 years as a health and safety instructor, teaching CPR and first aid classes.

The chapter is proud of the dedication of these two volunteers and is appreciative of the hard work and valuable contributions they have made over the years. Donahue and Robichaud are shining examples of the type of phenomenal volunteers that support the important work we do. "Here at the Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter a large percentage of our volunteers stay longer than volunteers traditionally stay at non-profits and we are very proud of that," said Brouillette. "We feel that the volunteers are part of our organization and really make the experience better for the staff, other volunteers, as well as the clients and customers we serve."

For more information about the Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter or to learn about volunteer opportunities please call 737-4306 ext. 1905 or visit www.redcrosscwm.org.