A century of the Red Cross

McLarty Hall was a sea of red last Wednesday as the Australian Red Cross Safety Bay unit celebrated the organisation’s 100 years of service.

Red Cross units from across the region gathered at the hall, which was decked with memorabilia and news clippings.

Unit president Joyce Baldwin said she had enjoyed every minute of her 17 years of volunteering.

“It has always been a pleasure to help people,” she said.

The unit was approved by the Red Cross headquarters in 1963 and started with 39 members, spurred on by a group of women who began rattling tins in Safety Bay and Waikiki.

Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels opened the ceremony and thanked the volunteers for providing their time and energy to help others.

“They have made a sustained and invaluable contribution,” he said.

Red Cross WA executive director Steve Joske congratulated the unit on its efforts.

The Safety Bay unit is always looking for new members to help with fundraisers.

For more information, go online to members@redcross.org.au or attend a unit meeting held on the last Monday of every month at 1.30pm in McLarty Hall, Shoalwater.