Meet our April Volunteer of the Month, Kurt Summers! Kurt is a volunteer for the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada. He was inspired to become an American Red Cross volunteer when he saw the Red Cross volunteers first-hand offering comfort to families impacted by crises or emergency situations in the Las Vegas community. You can read more about Kurt below to learn how he supports our community through volunteering!
What inspired you to volunteer?
While getting ready for work one morning, I noticed my vehicle was blocked by 4 fire trucks, and the building next door was on fire. There was one fatality and at least 15 families had lost almost everything, and they needed immediate help. A Red Cross volunteer was there before the hot spots were put out. She was able to offer immediate comfort to the families with the help of our Las Vegas community. I was so impressed; I called the very next day to volunteer.
I also, in the past, was a fire victim when I lived in Chicago. I had to have burn treatment, including skin grafts. It all could have been avoided if I had a battery in my smoke detector.
How are you supporting our community through volunteering?
Coming from the Midwest, I had no family here in Las Vegas and just a few friends. This was the perfect opportunity for me to get to know the Las Vegas community and earn their trust by volunteering to help prevent fires of this nature.
How has volunteering improved your life?
It is sooooo rewarding every time I receive the thank you! I am proud that I can help provide a great service to our whole community!