Tiffany Buford, Lucky Yolla, Joshua Shade, William Stewart, Elsie Ditslear, Juana Olvera, James Lenfestey, Robert Fudge

Story by Michele Maki

Sometimes in our life we are touched by someone who opens new windows and thus opens our eyes to what we never thought possible. Mr. Robert Fudge, teacher at Lake Havasu Charter School, is that person for many young people.

As the Haitian earthquake tragedy unfolded last January, his Global Explorations students were learning how children are impacted around the world.

"What can we do? We can't make a difference. I'm just one person,” were thoughts that surfaced.

Mr. Fudge challenged his students to research the country, the charities requesting help and their own pre-conceived ideas about the "'haves" and the "have-nots" in the world.

"Some of these kids really struggled with this,” explained Mr. Fudge. “They've never experienced that kind of grinding poverty. But soon, they were organizing bake sales, soliciting donations and enlisting their parents' help."

One of the challenges was selecting a charity that would benefit from the $300 raised.

"We wanted accountability,” stated Mr. Fudge. “We needed to know where the money would go and how much would be spent on administrative costs, etc.”

After hours of research, the students selected the American Red Cross, saying they had a clear understanding of how the funds will be used. The group trusted the Red Cross with its donation.

The students stood proud as they presented a check for $300 to Elsie Ditslear and Tiffany Buford of the American Red Cross in Lake Havasu City. 

After accepting the donation, the Red Cross team surprised the students with a pop quiz on the Red Cross Haiti relief effort. The students passed with flying colors!

Could you help someone who was chocking at the dinner table? Could you help your loved one having heart attack? If you answered no to any of these questions, consider getting certified in American Red Cross CPR and First Aid. Local volunteers will offer an Adult, Infant and Child CPR class with first aid on the third Saturday of each month, beginning October 16. The classes will be held at the local Red Cross office at 276 South Lake Havasu Avenue B-28 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The cost is $65. 

The information you learn in a Red Cross CPR class can help you save someone's life. This course provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and provide basic care for breathing and cardiac emergencies for adults, children and infants. Participants also learn how to recognize and provide basic care for sudden illness and injury. Register online or by phone at 928-779-5494.

Additionally, the local office is now offering CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and Healthcare Provider class. This course meets requirements for Lifeguard, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Nursing Programs and is recognized by the state EMT and Registered Nurse licensing agencies. It is equivalent to “C” level CPR which is required for certain professions such as police officers and firefighters. 

Everyday, someone like you puts on a Red Cross vest and goes to help your neighbors affected by disaster.  Every day, Red Cross volunteers teach families and employees how to save the life of someone they know or of someone they have never even met. Red Cross volunteers are everyday heroes. They come from all walks of life to help when it matters most.

Learn about Red Cross Volunteer Opportunities.

928-446-1766 (C)

Local Emergency Services Specialist

Tiffany Buford

928-453-5410 (O)

Office Location: 276 S. Lake Havasu Avenue, Suite B28 Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403   Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.   Except holidays   Phone: (928) 453-9529   Emergency Services Available 24-Hours Call: 1-800-842-7349