The Kiama branch raised $13,654 for the campaign, which supports the many programs the Red Cross provides for disadvantaged people. 

Kiama Red Cross treasurer Judi O’Brien said the small group of members who make up the branch deserved the recognition. 

“It’s definitely a great honour for the branch and it’s a testament to how hard the all of our members work,” Mrs O’Brien said. 

“We’re a pretty small branch, we only have something like 22 members, but they all work tirelessly to help out with everything we do.”

The funds raised by the branch have come from a number of activities, but Ms O’Brien said the branch’s three major events this year had helped them reach their impressive total. 

“Some of it has come from door knocking, which a lot of the local service and community groups help with and the local schools help out with their mufti days, but the big things we’ve had this year have really helped us. 

“We put out a recipe book, which was really popular and helped us raise something like $1400, our Centenary Fun Run we had this year was really successful and raised more than $4000 and then we had a dinner-dance with the Gerringong branch that was good for both branches.”

Red Cross zone representative Sandra Pearson congratulated the Kiama branch for their efforts. 

“It’s only a small branch, but the Kiama members work very hard and do a great job to raise important funds for the Red Cross.”

The Kiama branch previously received the shield in 2011.