By Stephanie Dunn Ashley
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill
In this season of giving and for the New Year I am resolving to a new mantra: Be Kind. There is so much power to be unlocked in kindness in every interaction, both in our personal lives and in business, so let’s all be kind.
I was inspired to focus on kindness by the wonderful volunteers I have the privilege to work with every day, personally and professionally. I am also lucky to be affiliated with several organizations filled with volunteers and helpers, where kindness and compassion are core tenets.
First, as a member of the Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol, I was able to be a part of spreading kindness, as we traveled through town with Santa Claus and the Grinch to spread holiday cheer earlier this month at our annual Operation Santa event. The CCFPP volunteers train to be able to respond to fire calls, car accidents and flooding incidents, but we also want to be out in the community at events because we want to help protect our town and we love Greenwich and its residents. This group has been active for nearly 100 years, and we have generations of volunteers from the same family, who continue to support the town in this all-volunteer organization.
Next, I am also proud to be a volunteer with the Greenwich Emergency Medical Services team. Each time I am out on a call or at a community event, I see the kindness and compassion with which my fellow GEMS staff and volunteers treat those we serve. Being a paramedic, EMT, or any first responder, whether by career or as a volunteer, is a high stress position, but leading with kindness improves teamwork and makes the day better in the end.
Finally, as I am now well into my third year at the American Red Cross. I will share that 2023 has been a challenging year, with more than 25 billion-dollar disasters across the nation — a record-setting number that relied on our incredible network of volunteers throughout the country. Our volunteers show up to help because of their kindness and compassion. As the climate crisis grows, the frequency and intensity of extreme disasters will likely only increase moving forward ¬– meaning that we will need more and more help for neighbors in need as they experience some of the worst days of their lives after a flood, fire, storm, or other climate disaster.
At the Red Cross, we rely on volunteers for 90% of our workforce. These amazing people are the ones who answer the call in the middle of the night to help when there is a home fire, providing care and comfort after a disaster. They help people navigate the recovery process and provide health and mental health services, sometimes even traveling to disasters around the country when a major disaster hits. They support our military service members, veterans, and their families. They help install free smoke alarms for people in high-risk communities and educate neighbors about fire prevention and safety tips. And they do all of this while exuding kindness.
Through the American Red Cross, I also donate blood, I have also enlisted my children to donate and now, even my British born and raised husband can donate! This is the ultimate act of kindness, as each donation of blood can save up to three lives. The need for blood is constant, as patients count on blood for treatment and during emergencies. I invite you to roll up your sleeve at our state-of-the-art Jill and John Coyle Blood Donation Center here in Greenwich, Conn. Just one hour of your life, can help save a life.
Talking to the volunteers I work with across these three organizations, there are many reasons they like to donate their time to help others. For some, they just like to know that they are making a difference. Others enjoy the social aspect of being with interesting people with similar interests. Maybe you are just looking for a way to keep yourself busy – whether you are a returning military service member looking to utilize your training, a recent retiree who wants to ease into a lifestyle without bosses and deadlines, or a recent graduate looking to bolster your resume while you search for your dream job.
Join me in 2024 and be kind. The process to start volunteering with me at all of these organizations is easy.
For the Red Cross, visit redcross.org/volunteer, look at the many volunteer opportunities we have, and pick one that looks like it is a good fit for you and your interests.
To sign up for the Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol visit www.CCFPP.org and join us in the hub.
And to become a volunteer EMT sign up with GEMS, visit www.greenwichems.org.
As Maya Angelou said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Be kind to yourself and be kind to others — you will see a difference in the world.
Wishing a Happy and Healthy New Year to all!
Stephanie has worked and volunteered in the nonprofit sector in Greenwich for over twenty years. Her current role as CEO of the MNYN chapter of the American Red Cross began in March 2020. Stephanie overseas Westchester and Rockland Counties in New York, the U. S. Military Academy at West Point, and Greenwich, Connecticut for all lines of service of the Red Cross. From 2007-2020 Stephanie was Director of Fundraising Special Events for Greenwich Hospital where she was the leader of the fundraising team that planned and executed over fifty galas, major fundraisers, cultivation events, and community events resulting in needed funds for the hospital. Previously, Stephanie worked at Convent of the Sacred Heart in Greenwich, where she headed up alumnae advancement within the development office. Stephanie is also a volunteer EMT with Greenwich EMS and President of the Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol.
