Measles Initiative

Each year a disease that has virtually been eliminated in the Western Hemisphere kills nearly 345,000 people globally, and of those, most are children under the age of five. Measles is a leading vaccine-preventable childhood killer and millions of children still remain at risk. There is good news. Measles can be prevented with a simple vaccination that costs less than one dollar per child.

What is Make a Difference Day?  On the fourth Saturday of every October, people nationwide help one another in celebration of Make a Difference Day.  Everyone, both young and old, is able to participate by volunteering their time and taking part in a service project.  This year Make a Difference Day is on Saturday, October 27, 2007. 

You can vaccinate a child for $1.  For Make a Difference Day, motivate your class, club, organization, etc. to share what they have to help someone else.  The Measles Initiative is a worthwhile cause that the Red Cross has been involved in since its launch in 2001.  Deaths related to measles have dropped 60 percent since the program’s launch.  Please see simple, fun ideas listed below to complete at your school or youth organization.  To learn more about the Measles Initiative visit www.measlesinitiative.org.

Ideas:

J  Sell Measles Pins

Measles pins are available through the chapter at no cost to you.  Sell pins for $1 at your local grocery stores, churches, etc.  Because Make a Difference Day falls on a Saturday, your group may want to consider selling the pins at sporting events.  Sell the pins wherever you believe would be most effective in your community on a Saturday.  In addition, a small information card could be given to those who purchase a pin so that they can learn more about Measles.  If you would prefer selling stickers instead of pins, there are also stickers available at no charge.   

Prefer to do something during the week at school?

J  Make a Measles People Bulletin Board

On the Friday before Make a Difference Day, sell paper dolls (that you can pre-cut or print people for students to cut out themselves) for 1 dollar each.    Hang the paper dolls purchased on a bulletin board representing how many children will be vaccinated by your fundraiser.  The backdrop for your bulletin board could be Africa or a large Red Cross.

Deliver donated money or mail a check to: American Red Cross of Northwest NJ, Youth Services, 29 Elm Street, Morristown, NJ  07960, attn:   youth services.

Get Credit! J Help us keep track of Red Cross activities in your community. Turn in your Measles Initiative Event Form to: American Red Cross of Northwest NJ, 29 Elm St, Morristown, NJ  07960, Attn: Youth Services or email it to youthservices@northwestnjedcross.org.

Questions?  Need measles pins and/or stickers?  Contact Youth Services at youthservices@northwestnjedcross.org.