By Amy Laurel Hegy, Volunteer Public Information Officer

(Three Rivers, Ca., July 1, 2008)—San Diego Red Cross volunteer Lee Durand traveled extensively in her former career as a medical researcher, during which time she interfaced with the likes of Sir Edmund Hillary. Now that she is retired, she travels with the American Red Cross to help those who are in need of shelter, food and other types of support during times of disaster.

While deployed to the Three Rivers Area Fires, Durand concentrated her efforts on mentoring less experienced volunteers in the important details of disaster response sheltering and feeding. Often these volunteers are surprised to learn the age of the energetic and enthusiastic volunteer.

“When they find out I am almost 70 years old, most people begin to question my ability to do some of the more physical aspects of my jobs as ERV driver or Shelter Manager,” laments Durand.

 “So I just have to plow ahead and show them what I can do. Last night they didn’t want to let me climb up to wash the top of the ERV. But I had the best boots on.”

 

While managing the Spring Valley Shelter, she enjoyed the opportunity to interface with Shelter Supervisor, Jesse Chairez of West Sacramento California. Chairez, in turn, was very pleased with the chance to work with a more experienced Shelter Manager.

 

“I can’t tell you how much I learned in these few short days of working side-by-side with Lee. I know I was doing a good job before she came, but the suggestions she made to me absolutely will allow me to go to my next Shelter Supervisor job with more knowledge and confidence,” Chairez said. “She came to help the clients, but she also made sure my staff and I leave this disaster more prepared for the next.”