- By Kay Jenney
- Around Town
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Director of Emergency Services with the American Red Cross, Tompkins County Chapter, Mike Raffe described disaster relief projects around the world using the classroom map, explained reasons for the emergencies and what type of help is needed. He briefed them on the tsunami recovery in Indonesia and explained how tsunamis and tidal waves were caused by undersea earthquakes and he discussed other weather related emergencies.
Raffe talked about preventable disease management, such as the need for childhood inoculations for measles in Africa and he touched on man made disasters caused by war. He also distributed supplemental reading materials and Red Cross pins to the students.
“The children decided to collect their spare change and contributions from friends and family…instead of participating in a holiday gift exchange earlier in the year,” said fourth grade teacher, Ms. Lisa Kledzik. The amount of the check was undisclosed as requested by Kledzik.
“It is wonderful to see young people who want to help others and then take action to do so. Their actions will help to make this world a better place,” wrote Raffe in a letter of appreciation to the students.
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