AN exhibition displaying everything from trauma teddies to knitted socks kicked off in Albury yesterday in celebration of the centenary of Red Cross in the region.
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Boasting 70 years of association with the Red Cross, 91-year-old Gloria Feuerherdt was well qualified to speak of the contribution the organisation has made.
She was president of the Walla branch for nine years and still contributes by cooking for fund-raisers and knitting.
Mrs Feuerherdt said it was popular to join the Red Cross when she was younger, and called on today’s youth to get involved.
“I joined because it was the natural thing to do back then and my mother was involved during World War II,” Mrs Feuerherdt said.
“We are trying to get the younger ones involved.
“I spoke at the school in Walla last week and told them the history and encouraged them to donate blood when they get older.”
The exhibition at the Library Musuem focuses on the role of women during the world wars.
Albury mayor Kevin Mack emphasised the importance of the Red Cross in the community in his speech opening the show.
“The important part of the Red Cross is they provide so many services to the community, it’s not only during war they provide their services, it’s during everyday life,” Cr Mack said.
Red Cross Australia was established nine days after the beginning of World War I and by World War II had become Australia’s largest charitable organisation.
Library Museum collections officer Chris Edgar said the exhibition took a few months to put tog-ether.
“The objects on display are from the Albury City collection and some are on loan from various Red Cross branches,” she said.
“During the world wars women provided comforts for troops and members would meet trains coming through Albury and provide meals.”
Cr Mack urged people to donate blood.
The exhibition will be on display for eight months.