One of the Hunter’s first Red Cross branches will celebrate its birthday this year but its volunteers fear it might be the last.

In September, the Belmont Red Cross branch will turn 95 years old.

During these years, the Belmont branch has raised money for many causes, including money for recent ones such as the Victorian Bushfire Appeal, money for the Red Cross Blood Service and its Breakfast Club program.

It also runs a number of services such as Tenant Connect, Hands On and Trauma Teddies.

But volunteers say these services will stop if their numbers do not grow.

The branch now has 15 members but its heyday had more than 140 members.

Belmont Red Cross assistant treasurer Marie Adams said the charity used to have a lot of members.

“We used to do catering for weddings and parties and have on-going fundraisers but we have had to cut back because we just don’t have the numbers.”

Robin Gordon, a Belmont Red Cross member for 20 years, said men and women were welcomed to join the charity.

“Everyone knows the Red Cross is always here to help but no one knows that sometimes we need help too, we need people to join up.”

Belmont Red Cross president Cecily Hesketh said it was sad to think the charity could shut because of a lack of member.

“It’s a sign of the times; people are working longer hours and have other things to do.

“But we want people to know we are here and want to keep going.”

Mrs Hesketh said the Belmont branch was looking for new blood and new ideas to try and save the branch from folding.

“To be perfectly honest, I don’t want to be Belmont branch’s last president.”

The Belmont Red Cross meets every third Monday of the month at the Belmont Sportsman’s Club at 10am.

To volunteer phone Mrs Gordon on 4945 4382, Mrs Hesketh on 4945 9840 or Mrs Adams on 4945 2432.