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In October 2023, the Canadian Red Cross used its International Disaster Relief Fund (IDRF) to fund the deployment of Operations Officer Mark McCaul to support our International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) colleagues in Fiji during cyclone season.

Friendly Calls is a Canadian Red Cross program that matches people over the age of 18 with trained Red Cross personnel. Through regular phone check-ins, our program offers emotional support, healthy coping strategies, and well-being resources and services. 

While the  Friendly Calls Program provides emotional support to people experiencing loneliness and isolation in their everyday lives, what some may not know is that the program can also help participants during sudden and challenging events.

With climate change contributing to the increasing frequency of severe weather events, it's more important than ever for businesses and organizations to be prepared for the unexpected. The Canadian Red Cross, a recognized and trusted leader in emergency preparedness, is extending its expertise to support businesses and community organizations in becoming better prepared through the Ready Rating program.

It’s been two years since the escalation of the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The end of 2023 and beginning of 2024 marked the most intense hostilities since the beginning of the conflict – reminding us that the need for humanitarian support is still vital.

Vice President of International Cooperation and Programs at the Canadian Red Cross, Kelsey Lemon visited regions of Ukraine impacted by the conflict in late 2023. During her visit, she witnessed the effects the conflict continues to have on individuals, households, and infrastructure across Ukraine. 
 

The Canadian Red Cross Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal has received more than $215 million CAD donations, which includes $30 million CAD in matching funds provided by the Government of Canada. So, how are these donations being spent? The Canadian Red Cross continues to respond to the humanitarian needs of people impacted with a focus on winterization, health services, financial assistance, and relief items.

As we embrace the winter months here in Canada, many of us brave the cold and suffer from boredom. We eagerly anticipate the weather to warm up in March, April, or even later in some regions. This can bring on feelings of restlessness, frustration and, for some, utter disappointment. Many refer to this as the “winter blues.” Here at the Canadian Red Cross, we want to help you overcome them!

Haiti has faced numerous challenges, including security issues, drought, and more recently the impact of the 2021 earthquake and social unrest.  

Despite legal advances to address gender inequality and discrimination against women and girls in Haiti, economic limitations and the stigma associated with menstruation still prevent women from exercising their full rights. 

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.