Generations of American Red Cross Volunteering Make Huge Impact in the Maryville Community

John Kurimski

MARYVILLE, Tenn., June 21, 2023 - Through his support and dedication as an American Red Cross board member and volunteer, John Kurimski helps families in the community and across the nation. 

Kurimski’s family has a deep history with the American Red Cross for more than 80 years ago when his grandfather, John Castle, fought in World War II. Upon his grandfather’s return, he shared the impact that the Red Cross made in supporting the troops and their families. 

“If there was ever an organization to support, give to the American Red Cross,” John Castle said to his family as he himself went on to volunteer for Red Cross. That statement has made an impression on Kurimski and is exactly what he has set out to do.

Kurimski joined the American Red Cross organization in 2017 as a board member where he currently serves as the Board Chairman at the East Tennessee Chapter. As a board member, he supports the mission and volunteers.

As an active volunteer, Kurimski has participated in the local Fire Safety House, and Sound the Alarm events and hopes to have the opportunity to participate in a disaster relief deployment. In talking about his volunteer experiences, Kurimski shared that Sound the Alarm was pivotal for him. “Seeing the families with no smoke alarms and no protection to alert them was impactful,” he stated. “We were able to provide free smoke alarms and educate them on an escape plan.”

Not only does Kurimski support the American Red Cross, but his employer of the past 11 years, Brookfield Renewable, has been a Red Cross partner for several years through sponsorship of the local Sound the Alarm event.

This year’s local Sound the Alarm took place in Maryville where 82 alarms were installed by volunteers in homes and 79 people were educated on fire safety and fire escape plans in the event of an emergency.

To learn more about how you can get involved like John Kurimski and Brookfield Renewable through donations, partnerships, or volunteering, please visit redcross.org/tennessee or call 1-800-RED CROSS.