Barbara A. Martindale- For What It's Worth October 11, 2013
An exact date is not known when the Red Cross in Caledonia gave up its charter, probably sometime in the late 1980s.
However, it is known that Caledonia's Red Cross was chartered in November of 1939 and for all those years provided a worthwhile service to the community.
Caledonia's original charter was signed by Governor General Tweedsmuir. It was lost for some years and a second charter was presented, signed by Governor General Schreyer. The original charter was eventually found and both were preserved at the Caledonia Library, perhaps now with Edinburgh Square Heritage and Cultural Centre.
The first president was Mr. Munroe, manager of the Bank of Commerce. In those early years, the Red Cross held its meetings in the old Opera House. It was once said that during the war years, a donation of $7,000 was not unlikely, and the purse of money was readily used and needed.
After the war, donations were considerably less. The Community Chest was one source of income ($2,100 in 1980) and area schools raised about $500 per year.
One of the Red Cross services was the Loan Cupboard, an important community benefit. In 1980, the Red Cross had 116 articles in its Loan Cupboard, six hospital beds (three were new), six wheelchairs and various other home care equipment such as walkers, canes, crutches and more. At that time, the Loan Cupboard equipment was located in the upstairs of the old Town Hall, before it was renovated. In fact, it had probably been housed in that upper floor for many years.
Reverend A.N. McMillan, a chartered member of the Caledonia Red Cross, held office of one kind or another for some 40 years. Gertrude Morrison began her time during the war years and helped to keep the charter intact. Helen Parker, for a number of years, kept tabs on and took requests for items from the Loan Cupboard at the Town Hall. Rick Richardson, Alfie Joseph and Stan Jones helped with the transportation of the equipment.
Things weren't looking too good for the continuance of the Red Cross in 1980. But one Tuesday morning before The Sachem was put to bed, Rev. McMillan made an exciting announcement following the Monday night annual meeting, stating a new executive had been named. Tom Pyke would be president, Bill Blain secretary/treasurer and that offices would be filled by other members of the Kinsmen and Kinettes.
The last of the Red Cross services was the Loan Cupboard. With the Kinsmen Club heavily involved in the executive, the Loan Cupboard equipment was taken over by them and for several years they looked after dispersing equipment for individuals who needed the help.
For the last several years, the Loan Cupboard has been part of the Caledonia Senior Support Services and is a key form of assistance from this community organization. They have a building on site that houses the Loan Cupboard equipment, and they have been renewing and adding to it since taking it over.
A wonderful service for the community that all started with the Red Cross in Caledonia, a donation for a needed Loan Cupboard item is all that might be favourably offered and accepted. Even that isn't a necessity.
