The search is on from the Red Cross for local heroes

Not all heroes wear capes! Do you know an “ordinary” person with extraordinary courage? Someone who has saved a life, helped a neighbor in need or made a difference in their community?

Every day at the American Red Cross, volunteers see first-hand, the remarkable deeds of everyday heroes. Their stories inspire and remind to never doubt the impact an individual can make in the lives of others.

Each year the Red Cross honors individuals who have shown courage, dedication and unselfish character by their acts of heroism, in the northwest Wisconsin community. If someone knows a local hero, the local Red Cross asks they nominate them to be recognized at the Northwest Wisconsin Heroes Breakfast.

The Northwest Wisconsin Heroes Breakfast honors people making an impact through their bravery, dedication and humanitarian service. For over 21 years, more than 150 local heroes have been recognized. This year’s award recipients will be honored at the event Thursday, March 9, 2023, at The Florian Gardens Conference Center in Eau Claire.

“We’re asking for the public’s help to identify individuals and groups that are deserving of recognition for their positive impact,” says Mary Jane Thomsen, executive director of the American Red Cross of Wisconsin Northwest Region. “Your hero could be a colleague, family member, neighbor or friend, who performed a selfless act of bravery or improved their community.”

Honorees will be celebrated across seven categories: Adult Good Samaritan; Youth Good Samaritan (age 18 or younger); Community Hero; From the Heart Hero; Lifetime Hero; Military Hero; and Health Care Hero.

Nominees may come from any of the Red Cross Northwest Wisconsin Chapter’s 17 counties, including Chippewa, Rusk, Taylor and Eau Claire.

Heroes are nominated by the public and are chosen by an Awards Selection Committee, comprised of local community leaders. Honorees are selected based on the degree to which their actions uphold the values of the Red Cross humanitarian mission, and leave a lasting and positive impact on the community.

Nominating a hero is free, and can be done quickly and easily online. For more information on nomination guidelines or to submit a nomination, visit americanredcross.wufoo. com.

All nominations are due by Dec. 31.