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Two well-known Albertans have received the Order of the Red Cross, member level, the organization’s highest award. Dr. Tom Jackson, musician, activist, and philanthropist, and Charles Weaselhead, former Grand Chief and former Chancellor of the University of Lethbridge, received the distinguished honour at separate ceremonies in Calgary and Stand Off in October.

For more than 70 years, the Canadian Red Cross has empowered Canadians through First Aid education and certification through training partners. The Red Cross free First Aid app also places life-saving advice in the hands of every Canadian. In British Columbia, one such Training Partner is Safe + Sound First Aid Training, which consistently provides Red Cross certified first aid and CPR training. More than two decades later, Gill McCulloch, the Owner/Director for Safe + Sound First Aid Training, continues to call this collaboration one of her best decisions to date.

An operations crew within Public Works for the City of St. John’s, NL, found out the importance of teamwork – and training - in a recent first aid emergency resulting in the crew being nominated for the Canadian Red Cross Rescuer Award.

The contributions of Canadian Red Cross personnel who have volunteered locally and around the world to natural disasters or health emergencies including throughout the COVID-19 pandemic were highlighted recently in a ceremony at the Nova Scotia legislature in Halifax to mark International Volunteer Day 2021.

With 16 years under her belt in the Canadian Red Cross, Ottawa volunteer Debbie James is accustomed to focusing on others. Debbie’s can-do attitude has led her through more than 100 responses across the country and an array of roles supporting others.
“If I have the bandwidth and my help is needed, I’ll try to do it,” she says.

Everyday transit enforcement officers patrol bus hubs in the City of Mississauga with the goal to keep everyone safe. One day, in early January, Michal and two of his colleagues relied their first aid training to save a man’s life.

Six-year-old Jaycee Berezowski received the Red Cross Rescuer Award recently; her life-saving actions show how crucial practice can be in a crisis.
Jaycee’s mom, Jenine, had all her wisdom teeth removed. She was taking pain medication and after a couple of days with no ill effects, Jenine’s boyfriend returned to work, leaving Jenine to rest and recover with her daughter, Jaycee.

A dedicated emergency management volunteer, a passionate water safety instructor trainer and a loyal educator have received the highest award given by the Canadian Red Cross. The three Alberta volunteers were given the Order of Red Cross, which recognizes extraordinary people who have provided outstanding humanitarian service at home and abroad.