For Immediate Release

Laureen Martinez, Mid-Florida Region

Chief Public Relations Officer         

(O) 407 894-4141 x5657 (C) 407 256-4676

laureenm@midfloridaredcross.org

Law Firm Makes Donation to Help Ocoee Fire Victims

Check will be presented today at the Central Florida Chapter

(Orlando) January 7, 2010 – The American Red Cross continues to help victims whose homes were destroyed in a fire at the Bordeaux Condominium Complex earlier this week.  After learning of the tragedy, which left dozens of people looking for a new place to live, the Orlando based law firm of Kaufman, Englett &Lynd P.A. decided to make a difference by offering the Red Cross a donation to help those affected.

Thursday, January 7, 2010 at 1:15 p.m. a representative for the firm will deliver a $5,000 donation to the Central Florida Chapter which will help cover the costs of the estimated $15,000 disaster relief operation.

To date, the Red Cross has helped 13 families, including 36 individuals, with lodging, the means to buy food, clothing, and other essentials lost in the fire. The Red Cross is also providing counseling and helping families with permanent housing.

“We can empathize with families,” says Matthew Harrison, Vice President of Public Relations for the firm which focuses on foreclosure defense. “Our staff and attorneys understand what these families might be going through in these tough economic times and want to help and give back to the community.”

The media is invited to the Central Florida Chapter located at 5 N. Bumby Avenue in Orlando at 1:15 p.m. today, January 7. Interviews with a representative from the firm as well as Mid-Florida Region C.E.O. Joel Hass will be available.

Please call the Chief Public Relations Officer for more information.

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The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, provides relief to the victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The American Red Cross Mid-Florida Region serves Brevard, Citrus, Flagler, Hernando, Highlands, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia counties. Every day, the region’s employees and volunteers provide disaster assistance to local families, serve as a vital communication links between member of the armed forces and their local families and offer lifesaving training on skills such as First Aid, CPR and AED. All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. Your help is needed to ensure that the American Red Cross can be there wherever and whenever disaster strikes. To make a financial donation, please contact your local Red Cross Chapter through www.midfloridaredcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-257-7575 para Espanol).