American Red Cross of RI

SE HABLA ESPANOL
Para mas informacion en espanol favor de llamar a Gisela al telefono
(401) 831-7700 x108

PRESS CONTACT INFO

ROBIN ERICKSON
Director of Communications

PHONE
(401) 831-7700 x101
E-MAIL
[email protected]

Monday, April 14, 2003
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of RI and the American Red Cross of RI Honor Two Community Heroes

Community Heroes are Everyday Rhode Islanders that Impact Our Community

Providence, R.I., April 14, 2003 – The American Red Cross of Rhode Island and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) today announced its selection of two extraordinary Rhode Islanders, Mary E. O'Rourke of Wakefield and Sandra Hope McKenzie of Jamestown as the April recipients of the Community Heroes Award. The award recognizes the good works of "everyday people" who have made significant, positive impacts on individuals, families, organizations or entire communities in Rhode Island.

Mary O'Rourke was selected for her ten years of service to the Big Sisters of Rhode Island and for her mentoring of young people. During the past six years, she's been a faithful Big Sister to young women, supporting them through many experiences. O'Rourke has also been involved in other aspects of the organization including fundraising, working with the media and making personal contacts with donors to thank them for their generosity.

Sandra MacKenzie has dedicated many years of her life to providing nutritional and medical assistance to citizens in need. Among her many volunteer activities, she has assisted at the Free Medical Clinic in Providence, provided healthcare in Honduras and sought donations for the RI Food Bank. She is also a Foster Mom for the "Save the Orangutan" program, a blood and pheresis donor and an Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support instructor.

Both winners will be recognized during the month of April in an advertising campaign in print and on WLNE-TV, Channel 6. An awards breakfast will take place in June.

The Community Heroes program is a collaborative effort between the American Red Cross of Rhode Island and BCBSRI. It is designed to recognize Rhode Islanders who care enough to make a difference. Community Heroes can be everyday citizens, local firefighters, police, or emergency responders. They can be honored for spontaneous acts of heroism (such as saving someone from drowning) or for an effort over time (such as reading to an elderly neighbor on a regular basis). To nominate someone for a community hero award, call 459-1304, or go to www.riredcross.org or to www.bcbsri.org and click on "In the Community". Similar awards will be made each month.

To nominate someone for a community hero award, call 459-1304, or go to www.riredcross.org or to www.bcbsri.org and click on "In the Community". Similar awards will be made each month.

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, has been the state's leading health insurer for 64 years and now covers more than 650,000 customers. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

American Red Cross of Rhode Island volunteers provide emergency food, clothing and shelter each year to more than 1,000 Rhode Islanders who suffer a house fire or other disaster. All Red Cross assistance is provided free of charge. The American Red Cross is not a government agency and relies on donations to fund its work.

© Copyright 2002-2004 American National Red Cross. All rights reserved.
American Red Cross of Rhode Island • 105 Gano Street :: PO Box 2496 • Providence, RI 02906
(401) 831-7700 • TOLL FREE 1-800-842-1122

This site is best viewed at 800x600 screen resolution.