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PORTLAND, Maine, JUNE 16, 2023 — For more than a century, the American Red Cross has been dedicated to serving people in need – thanks to our founder Clara Barton. Through supporting service members and their families, collecting blood for patients, providing individuals with help and hope after disasters, teaching lifesaving training and providing international aid, we’ve stayed true to our roots.
During FY23, the Red Cross of Northern New England…
This work would not be possible with our dedicated volunteers. Regionally, the Red Cross recognizes its top volunteers with the Clara Barton Award. These individuals embody the organization’s core values of compassion, commitment, credibility, creativity and collaboration.
This year, the American Red Cross Southern Maine Chapter is honored to recognize John Leeming, of Cumberland, Maine, as the 2023 Clara Barton Award recipient. Leeming will celebrate 30 years of Red Cross service in October – and remains an exceptionally committed Disaster Action Team responder. In 2022, Leeming responded to 26 disasters, opened 51 cases and served 99 people – which accounts for one-third of Southern Maine’s total caseload in 2022.
“John’s approach with our clients shows tremendous compassion. He understands all too well that we often meet people on their very worst days, but his calm and reassuring presence invites them to move forward one step at a time,” said Steve Thomas, Red Cross Southern Maine Chapter executive director. “It’s a privilege to serve with John, and we are so fortunate that he makes his home in our Southern Maine Chapter.”
The Red Cross is also pleased to recognize volunteer Gloria Krayenvenger, of North Waterboro, Maine, as the 2023 Clara Barton Award Runner-up. Krayenvenger has been a steadfast administrative volunteer at the Red Cross office in Portland since 2018 – and has held positions with operations, development and disaster cycle services. She wears many hats in her roles with the Red Cross and performs each with detail, confidence and warmth.
“What stands out most about Gloria, besides her professionalism and skill, is her kindness and love for others. I consider Gloria to be an exemplary representative of the Red Cross and feel so fortunate that she chooses to share her time, passion and heart with the Red Cross,” said Kristin Laporte, Red Cross Business Operations Coordinator, Northern New Region.
*Please contact Jennifer.costa@redcross.org if you would like to request high resolution images of Clara Barton award recipients.
Additionally, the Red Cross is pleased to recognize the following volunteers who achieved the President’s Volunteer Service Award which is sponsored by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. These awards, issued by the U.S. government, recognize individuals who achieve and record a targeted number of service hours within a calendar year.
Gold Recipients (500+ volunteer hours)
Lorraine Bernier, East Portland
Robert Bouchard, Frenchville
Jessica Craig, Portland
Michael Craig, Portland
Paul Duclos, Glenwood
Jim Larson, Hampden
John Leeming, Cumberland
Karen Towle, Gardiner
Lynn Walkiewicz, Lewiston
Solomon Yusim, Scarborough
Silver Recipients (250 – 499 volunteer hours)
Sheila Blackman, Mount Desert
Ann Cibelli, Acton
Raybo Frank, Bucksport
Irene Lang, Winterport
Ruth Lathrop, Windham
Anthony Lawless, Portland
Christopher Luck, Moultonborough
Linda Murphy Luck, Moultonborough
David Pincumbe, Brunswick
Daniel Sayner, Brunswick
Michael Thurston, Auburn
