Bronx Retiree Dedicates 70 Hours Weekly to Red Cross, Honored with Top Volunteer Award

Lifeline for Families in Crisis

• 💡 For nearly a decade, Julia Madina, a Bronx retiree, has dedicated himself to the American Red Cross Greater New York region, volunteering six to seven days a week.
• 🎯 He has become a vital lifeline for families in crisis, providing support during numerous disasters.

Disaster Relief Efforts

• 🚒 Madina recently assisted families displaced by a five-alarm fire in the Bronx, providing essential items like clothing.
• 🌎 His commitment extends beyond New York, having helped survivors of Hurricane Ian and flood victims in Nebraska.

Recognition and Motivation

• 🏆 His exceptional service was recently recognized with the Henry Dunant Leadership Award, the highest honor for a Red Cross volunteer.
• 💖 Madina's motivation stems from a personal connection; the Red Cross previously helped him become a certified lifeguard, enabling him to support his family.

The Critical Need for Volunteers

• 📈 American Red Cross officials emphasize that over 90% of their workforce are volunteers, highlighting their indispensable role.
• ⚠️ The organization stresses the need for more volunteers to manage the increasing frequency and intensity of large-scale disasters.
• ✅ For Madina, the profound feeling of helping someone in need makes every hour of volunteering worthwhile.