The Alameda Red Cross Youth Network from Encinal, Alameda, and ASTI high schools would like to thank everyone who helped support their April fundraisers with the aim of eliminating malaria across the world. 

One of the network’s stated goals is to send 2,014 treated bed nets to refugees fleeing war stricken homelands by the end of 2014. Thanks to the generous supporters of treated bed nets and the United Nations Association of the East Bay, “Nothing But Nets” has reduced the number of malaria deaths by one third from 2006 to 2013.

April was “Malaria Awareness Month” across the globe. In the 1900s our world was infested with deadly malaria mosquitoes, but by the 1990s only 99 countries were still trying to control malaria transmission. 

Today, 34 countries are embarked on efforts to eliminate malaria. Many global health researchers are developing new tools to eventually eradicate this disease, which is still killing 600,000 children each year in Africa alone. So far, treated bed nets are the best way to save lives.

The following Alameda businesses and residents who donated toward Nothing But Nets’ April fundraisers deserve recognition: High Street Station Café, C’era Una Volta, Trader Joe’s, Alameda Bicycle, Subpar Golf, Starbucks, Toomie’s Thai Cuisine, Books Inc., Color Me Mine, Total Women’s Gym, Tucker’s Supercreamed Ice Cream, Modern Mouse, Loard’s Ice Cream, Golden State Warriors, County Supervisor Wilma Chan, William Ross, William Chan, Mark Sorenson and Tom Squire.

Because of these group and individual donations, Alameda’s Red Cross Youth received honors from Nothing But Nets this June in Washington D.C. 

Alameda’s network is a part of the United Nations Association of the East Bay and the presentation of an award took place at the annual UNA-USA meeting. Alameda’s was one of the just three chapters honored for Nothing But Nets fundraising in the nation. 

Through their activities at the Red Cross Youth Network, young people learn to become strong leaders and will continue to volunteer to support their communities in their adult lives.

For more on how to get involved in Red Cross programs, both here in Alameda and nationally, visit www.redcross.org.