Social media allows organizations to reach large audiences as it is rapidly being adopted all over the world.The American Red Cross chapter in Opelika is currently using social media to help replenish their national fund.

“Our disaster relief fund has bankrupted this year and we have had to take out many loans to fill the needs of people all over the world,” said Jennifer Ryan, CEO of Opelika’s American Red Cross.

Ryan has been working with the Red Cross for 9 years helping others during critical times of need.
With the help of Facebook, Ryan is currently reaching out to get supporters to vote for the Red Cross to win $50,000 from the Western Union Foundation.


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The Western Union Foundation has promised to donate $50,000 to the charity that receives the most votes from participating Facebook members.To cast your vote to support the American Red Cross visit the Our World Gives application on Facebook.

http://apps.new.facebook.com/OurWorldGives/Default.aspx

Voting ends Nov. 28, 2008.

“Please take the time to vote and make a difference, you are able to vote everyday,” said Ryan.

So many people depend on the Red Cross for relief. Their efforts save lives and restore hope to people all over the world.Because the Red Cross is an organization that relies heavily on volunteer and donor support they have been recently been adopting social media to reach out and jump into the online conversation.

“Social media is another way for us to reach volunteers, donors and blood donors,” said Ryan. “Were pretty new at social media, we’ve just got into it about a year or so. Our national office is using Facebook, twitter, blogging and posting pictures to flicker to name a few.”

Take the time to vote online and support your local Red Cross because they are always there.
When disaster strikes, the Red Cross is there providing shelter, food and counseling. When military members and their families need support, they call the Red Cross. Whether it’s teaching lifesaving skills or providing nearly half the nation’s blood supply, the Red Cross is there, depending on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to carry out its humanitarian mission.