Red Cross and PG&E employees and volunteers helped their neighbors get ready for disasters at a Thursday event.
PG&E pledged $150,000 to the Capital Region Red Cross during a downtown Stockton celebration Thursday (Aug. 4) that included activity booths, giveaways and safety demonstrations.
The financial contribution is part of larger $1 million partnership originally launched by PG&E and the American Red Cross in April. The American Red Cross Ready Neighborhoods program will provide support to some of the most vulnerable communities across Northern and Central California by setting up disaster-preparedness resources, identifying shelter locations and providing response training and emergency kits.
“The Red Cross not only provides relief to those affected by disasters around the world, it also empowers individuals right here in our own community to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies,” said Ed Bedwell, vice president of government relations for PG&E, who attended Thursday’s event where he presented the check.
With the contribution in Stockton, the Capital Region Red Cross will conduct disaster preparedness outreach in the target communities of San Joaquin, Sacramento, El Dorado and Yolo counties.
“PG&E’s generous support of this readiness campaign allows us to reach even further into communities across northern California, teaching residents how to be ready when disasters occur,” said Dawn Lindblom, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Capital Region Chapter.
The kickoff event on Thursday – called “Are You Ready to be a Hero?” — was a prep rally preparedness fair at the Janet Leigh Plaza located in downtown Stockton. About 100 people meandered in and out of the three-hour event where they were provided information on disaster preparedness and visited booths, including a childrens’ activity booth.
Joining the Stockton celebration were Stockton City Councilmember Susan Eggman and Stockton Police Captain Troy Broddrick. PG&E employee volunteers also were present.
PG&E’s support of the American Red Cross is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to emergency readiness in the communities it serves. The company offers emergency preparedness tips on its website.
