American Red Cross of RI

SE HABLA ESPANOL
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(401) 831-7700 x108

PRESS CONTACT INFO

ROBIN ERICKSON
Director of Communications

PHONE
(401) 831-7700 x101
E-MAIL
[email protected]

Monday, August 4, 2003
Neighbors save the day at Providence fire Monday morning

Rhode Island Red Cross volunteers were called to the scene of a triple-decker fire at 8:00 am on Monday morning at 1010 Branch Avenue in Providence. Nine people -- 8 adults and 1 child –were affected. Seven of the 9 residents were in need of food and shelter assistance from the RI Red Cross.

These 9 residents have their neighbors to thank for getting them out safely. When Wilson Velez, Jr. and his wife Gladys, of 1014 Branch Avenue, smelled smoke this morning, they immediately ran next door to help. They began banging on the door and shouting to alert their neighbors to the fire. Furthermore, Wilson and Gladys Velez are both hearing impaired, yet were able to get to each floor to warn of the danger. Because of these two heroes, all 9 residents got out safely and no one was hurt.

The Red Cross of Rhode Island typically spends $1,000 per family of four that it assists. All Red Cross assistance is free, thanks to contributions from individuals and organizations. The Red Cross is not a government agency and relies on private donations to provide emergency assistance to Rhode Islanders in crisis.

Visit www.riredcross.org for more information and to find out how you can help.

© Copyright 2002-2004 American National Red Cross. All rights reserved.
American Red Cross of Rhode Island • 105 Gano Street :: PO Box 2496 • Providence, RI 02906
(401) 831-7700 • TOLL FREE 1-800-842-1122

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