London, 31 March 2008

The British Red Cross will be strengthening its response to emergencies in London with the launch of a new ambulance, donated by the StratREAL Foundation. The vehicle is part of a major appeal designed to build community resilience in London and improve the city’s capacity to respond to major incidents, such as the flooding that affected parts of the country this summer.

The British Red Cross responds to hundreds of emergencies every year, from major flooding to house fires and rail crashes. The organisation has a special role to play in supporting the emergency services, and is included in local authority emergency plans for every part of the UK.

Dedicated volunteers are ready to respond 24-hours a day, providing frontline support, helping to set-up rest centres, and providing emotional and practical help to those affected. In recent years, Red Cross volunteers have responded to the London bombings, and the recent summer flooding.

In non-emergency situations the new ambulance will complement the British Red Cross’ day-to-day work providing short-term care to vulnerable people, including the provision of first aid at public events.

Pierre Rolin, Chairman of the Trustees of the StratREAL Foundation comments,

‘None of us will have forgotten the atrocities of the 7th July 2006 attacks in London. I was inspired to donate this ambulance when I heard that the British Red Cross Emergency Response Team had done some amazing work that day, including providing front line support to the over-stretched London Ambulance Service. I am proud that the StratREAL Foundation is doing their bit to protect Londoners in this way.’

Note to editors:

  • The StratREAL Foundation was established in 2003 to help improve the lives of young people around the world. Children are the future – the basis of healthy societies, and it is to their welfare and in particular to their education, health and housing needs that the Foundation is dedicated.
  • Founded by Pierre Rolin, Chairman and Chief Executive of Strategic Real Estate Advisors, the StratREAL Foundation directs funds to specific projects within carefully selected charities that work to help young people in need.
  • The Foundation also assists philanthropists who wish to make a positive difference in the lives of young people by managing their charitable donations to ensure that these are directed towards projects that have a clear and tangible impact. Built on the belief that individuals with a common purpose can make a direct difference, the Foundation works in synergy with its chosen charities to select projects that actively help young people escape the effects of poverty and build a better future.
  • The Foundation’s partner charities are The Prince of Wales Foundation for Children and the Arts, British Red Cross, Royal Opera House, Merlin, UNESCO -Education for Children in Need, VSO, Learning Through the Arts and The Prince’s Drawing School.