American Red Cross Partners With Erie Insurance Group to Create Unique Volunteer Network

American Red Cross Partners With Erie Insurance Group to Create Unique Volunteer Network

News Release: March 17, 2001
Contact: Janice Osborne, Manager-Media & Community Affairs (610) 865-4400, ext. 262

The Lehigh Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Erie Insurance Group in the Allentown/Bethlehem area will join together in a unique and beneficial partnership - The Erie Insurance American Red Cross Volunteer Network. The partnership will serve to train Erie employees, retirees, agents and their families to become Red Cross volunteers in the Lehigh Valley community.

"Serving Together" is the theme for the partnership which was first introduced at Erie Insurance Group headquarters in Erie, Pa., last October and will be introduced to the Media, Pa., and Allentown/Bethlehem areas this month.

On Friday, March 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. more than 200 employees at the Erie Insurance office in the Allentown/Bethlehem area will gather to learn about the Lehigh Valley Red Cross, the volunteer opportunities available and how to become a Red Cross volunteer.

"We are very excited about partnering with the American Red Cross," says Stephen Milne, Erie Insurance Group president and chief executive officer. "Our company's mission and the American Red Cross mission are similar -- we both provide help in times of need and assist families with preventing a disaster. We could think of no better way to assist the Red Cross than by encouraging our employees and agents to volunteer their time. By sharing our expertise in disaster preparedness and working with the Red Cross, our company will be able to provide invaluable support to the communities in which we live and work."

"We are very pleased to welcome Erie Insurance employees, agents and retirees to the Lehigh Valley Red Cross family of volunteers and employees," said John R. Hughes, executive director for the Lehigh Valley Chapter, American Red Cross. "Volunteer opportunities with the local Red Cross are varied and many - from disaster relief to health and safety to fundraising. The Lehigh Valley community stands to benefit tenfold from this partnership effort.

"It's an honor to be one of the first three Red Cross chapters in the state to take part in this unique program," added Hughes. " 'Serving Together' stands as a model for future corporate and nonprofit partnerships. This unique model has the potential to boost community capacities, provide more effective preparation to minimize disaster damage and losses and generate significant outcome benefits for individuals, families and communities."

"In Erie, more than 100 people have already joined the Volunteer Network," says Tim Maher, Erie Insurance's Allentown/Bethlehem branch manager. "These employees are very enthusiastic about their involvement with such a worthwhile organization. The people volunteering come from all areas of the company. Our hope is that employees and retirees here in the Lehigh Valley area embrace the Volunteer Network with the same enthusiasm."

Susan Duda from Erie's home office information technology division is happy to become a Red Cross volunteer. "I'm getting involved with the Red Cross because I'm single now with an empty nest, and I expect to have more time to commit to volunteering. I've really enjoyed the last two interactive Red Cross classes, and I hope to help at shelters in my area when needed. I also want to serve on evaluation teams."

At the kickoff in the Lehigh Valley, Erie employees will hear from Eleanor Roskilly, a 12-year Red Cross volunteer, who will share her experiences in disaster relief services. Bob Duld, director of Volunteer Services for the Red Cross, will discuss the many volunteer opportunities available at the Red Cross, including health and safety instructors, disaster services team members, special events workers, and administrative and clerical positions. Employees also will have an opportunity to tour the Red Cross Disaster Services vehicle and to see how an automated external defibrillator (AED) works. An AED is a device that can restart a heart that has stopped beating effectively.

Known for competitive rates and superior service, Erie Insurance Group is a leading property/casualty insurer in the United States. With more than 3.1 million policies in force, Erie Insurance Group includes seven companies operating in 10 states and the District of Columbia and is rated A++ (superior) by A.M. Best Company. Erie Indemnity Company (NASDAQ - ERIE) is the management company for Erie Insurance Group. Headquartered in Erie, Pa. since 1925, the ERIE provides auto, home, business and life insurance through more than 6,800 independent agents representing nearly 1,500 agencies. For more information and a listing of independent agents representing The ERIE in your community, visit the company's Web site www.erieinsurance.com.

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

The American Red Cross is not a government agency. All Red Cross disaster assistance is an outright grant. It is made possible through the generous voluntary contributions by the American people of time, materials and money.

The Lehigh Valley Chapter Red Cross serves more than 620,000 residents in Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training and emergency relief services to more than 15,500 Lehigh Valley residents.

For more information about the Lehigh Valley Chapter Red Cross, visit www.redcrosslv.org.