Two chance encounters lead a couple to compassionately helping others
By Cindy Huge, Red Cross Volunteer
Bob and Rosana Bontrager have always loved spending their vacations traveling the USA in their RV. While camping in Tucson, Arizona nearly 250 miles from their home, they met a gentleman who was an American Red Cross volunteer.
This volunteer’s love of the Red Cross and his passion was quite evident to the couple, and sparked an interest for the Bontrager’s. With their retirement looming, they began exploring the various ways the Red Cross helps during emergencies and discussed together how this could be the potential cause they would spend their time volunteering for.
Another chance meeting with the same volunteer, two years later, on a RV trip to Wyoming seemed to be what fate was calling them to do.
Upon returning from their trip and recently retired, Bob and Rosana signed up at their local Red Cross Chapter in Tulare, California.
That’s where they met Bill Beebe, the Disaster Program Manager, who introduced them to the plethora of activities that Red Cross volunteers do in their communities and across the country. “They are dedicated volunteers and always willing to help in any way. I am very excited that they were able to deploy to assist with the distribution of supplies following the Borel Fire,” stated Beebe.
Eager to help in any way they could, they are currently experiencing their first deployment in Kern County, and happy to give their time and compassion to those who need it.
“We enjoy the fact we give them help, but in the end we give them hope.”
Bob Bontrager
They like so many other volunteers, have freely given their time to help those who have been affected by disasters throughout the United States. The need to help has never been greater. Join us to provide relief and hope when it matters most. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to sign up to become a volunteer.
Red Cross Central California Blog 