Series - Financial records

The Dutton/Dunwich branch of the Canadian Red Cross was formed on October 27, 1939 as the community mobilized for the Second World War. The organizational meeting was sponsored by the Dutton’s Women’s Institute. The first president was Bill Hollingshead and the first campaign manager, R.E. Fraser. Mrs. Hilda Crawford was in charge of the workroom committee and remained in this position until the committee was disbanded in 1960. During the war years approximately $4,000.00 was raised per year to cover such items as socks, sweaters, blankets, pyjamas, hospital gowns, pneumonia jackets and quilts. In 1943 blood drives began under the auspices of the Independent Order of Oddfellows and continued until after the war, when they were disbanded. They started up again in 1960 and were conducted at various locations through the community annually. The Red Cross Room on Main Street had wheelchairs, crutches, walkers and canes for loan for short periods of time. This branch supports the Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety programs, held in summer at the local pool. The Bobier Convalescent Home has two Red Cross volunteers who spread cheer weekly. The Emergency Services Committee helped out those in the community who had been victims of fire.The Red Cross has been at work in this community, helping to aleve human suffering whenever and wherever they can for many years.