The seven principals of Red Cross have led Linda to some very memorable experiences of human compassion.

Times that she said have shown her that people can make a difference after a traumatic event or natural disaster.

“At the time when I joined I just wanted to help out and it doesn’t take long before a humanitarian group like Red Cross becomes you,” Linda said.

The Singleton branch of the Red Cross has good member numbers and provides a range of services to the community.

Linda is the personal support team leader, a group that is called upon during times of an emergency.

The group of around 19 is a support for the emergency services and are accredited to help during a disaster to go out into the community meet, greet, refer and assist people.

For 12 year’s Linda has been the team leader of the personal support group and said that with each disaster she sees unfold across the world, she feels the compassion close to her heart.

“It doesn’t matter what disaster it is or what fight it is and what borders Red Cross has to cross to get there, we will do it and will not take sides,” she said.

“Singleton is very generous and the people are very kind, the Singleton branch of Red Cross is a lovely group of people.

“We’ve started a lot of good things here in Singleton and we are now at a stage where we are working for Red Cross as well as fundraising for Red Cross too.”

Red Cross has changed over the years and the traditional door knock has been altered with the community invited to join Red Cross in celebrating nature’s glory with its third open garden day fundraiser.

“With the busy lifestyle of the families today, we were finding that so many homes were empty when we door knocked and the open garden allows us to interact with our community while raising vital funds for Red Cross,” Linda explained.

Well aware of the community’s need to see money coming back into the community, the local Red Cross branch provides a number of services to the Singleton people.

The Telecross program sees the Red Cross place vital phone calls to the frail aged, isolated and medically dependant in the community, a service Linda said supports individuals and their families.

The groups are also responsible for the Hands On service at our local aged care facilities providing residents with cosmetic care.

For Linda, not only does the Red Cross provide her with lifelong friendships, but she also knows she is making a difference in some people’s lives.