Allies of the American Red Cross

Supporting disaster relief is a fundamental aspect of our charitable giving efforts at Raymond James. We partner with the American Red Cross to respond to natural disasters, humanitarian aid missions and other events in the communities where we live and work. 

Both Raymond James and the Red Cross share values of community support and social responsibility, making the partnership a natural fit. 

As part of this partnership, Raymond James is an active member of the Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP). As an ADGP member, Raymond James supports the Red Cross’ ability to be ready to respond before disaster strikes.

Help for when help can’t wait

The American Red Cross relies on a workforce that is over 90% volunteers, who respond to more than 60,000 disasters each year across the United States.

While the Red Cross provides shelter, food, and emotional support to victims of disaster, their work extends into teaching first aid skills to save lives. They also support military families and provide as much as 40% of the nation’s blood supply. In 2024, 142,800 blood drives were hosted across the United States, engaging 1.9 million blood donors. 

Jeffrey Zurek (pictured left, back row), Raymond James financial advisor and vice chair of the board of directors for the American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter, said, “My brother and business partner, as well as my mother-in-law, are both involved as leaders in the American Red Cross Tampa Bay Chapter, so the work is close to home. The more I dig into the organization’s work and how they do it, the more it’s fueled my motivation to be involved.”

With our headquarters and thousands of employees based in St. Petersburg, Florida, Raymond James and our associates are no stranger to the effects of hurricanes, flooding and other storm-related natural disasters. Red Cross hurricane readiness includes having a sufficient number of trained disaster workers available, an adequate inventory of relief supplies and technology, and programs and systems ready to provide assistance to individuals and communities in need.

And recently, the American Red Cross, as part of the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network, has provided relief to humanitarian crises in Ukraine and the Middle East. These collaborative efforts form the world’s largest humanitarian network. 

Safeguarding people against home fires

Residential fires are among the most common incidents the American Red Cross assists with. During the 2024 financial year, the American Red Cross responded to 43,400 home fires – averaging one response every 12 minutes.

Zurek said, “Once the fire department deals with the blaze, one of the first calls they typically make is to the Red Cross. We have volunteers on standby 24/7 that will go out, provide supplies and money and later connect victims with grief counselors.” 

In 2024, volunteers made a significant impact in preventing home fires: 67,590 homes were made safer, 180,320 smoke alarms were installed and 123,130 young people were equipped with fire preparedness education. Over the last decade, 2.5 million smoke detectors have been installed for free by the American Red Cross. An estimated 2,000 lives have been saved by those efforts.

Zurek said, “Those with some familiarity with the Red Cross may first think about how the organization helps after a disaster happens. But the day-to-day job is taking steps to prevent the damage brought on by disasters.”

Values that count

“I’ve been involved with the American Red Cross since 2022,” Zurek said. “In just the short amount of time between then and now, every time there has been a disaster – from fires in Hawaii to hurricanes in Florida – Raymond James has stepped in to offer help. The people-first culture that puts integrity at the forefront is amazing.”

Donations and volunteering are the most impactful ways to support the work of the American Red Cross. Expanding support to military families is one area that Zurek highlighted as a focus going forward. 

Zurek said “We have 20 major military bases in Florida alone. We also have a strong network of veterans here at the firm too. While there’s opportunity for anyone to help, those who have experienced military life are among the best equipped to work with the Red Cross in supporting military families – from supporting underprivileged families to improving home fire safety.” 

Being prepared when disaster strikes

Disaster preparedness saves lives. The Red Cross helps people prepare for unexpected events using three simple steps: 

1. Create a family survival kit.
2. Make an emergency plan.
3. Be informed about which disasters are likely to occur in your area.

For more information and resources, visit redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies. 

Raymond James Cares

Together, we make a difference to build, strengthen and grow our communities. To learn more about the firm’s corporate philanthropy, click here.

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