There’s no doubt 2016 was a challenging year for many people who experienced disasters such as the Alberta fires and Hurricane Matthew, or who fled their home as a result of armed conflict.
We want to cap off the year by sharing some of the most inspiring and heartwarming Red Cross stories from 2016 to show humanity at its best. What inspired you this year?
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It’s easy to see that red is Joy Geizer’s favourite colour. Her winter coat is red. Her car is red. All her Christmas ornaments are red. A disaster management volunteer for seven years, Joy stopped by the Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Red Cross office to talk about her passion for helping others while balancing her life as a full-time working mom in the health industry.
It takes a long time to grow an old friend.
You could call it the unofficial motto of the Dilke Red Cross Society, with close-knit friendships being one of the reasons why the organization has lasted the test of time.
The group from the small Saskatchewan community of Dilke is celebrating 100 years this year.
The work of the Canadian Red Cross is made possible through the tireless work of our dedicated volunteers. Today we want to celebrate the work of all our amazing volunteers, and take a moment to introduce you to Erina.
It’s humbling to speak with someone who refers to the Second World War as simply “the war,” as a real experience not out of a history textbook. For Red Cross volunteer Joan Chapella, this reality is simply a chapter in an exciting life that has taken her across the globe.
The work of the Canadian Red Cross is made possible through the tireless work of our dedicated volunteers. December 5 is International Volunteer Day, and we want to celebrate the work of all our amazing volunteers, and take a moment to introduce you to Cathy.
A house fire is difficult for anyone, but for the Bilal family it was especially traumatizing as they had only been in Canada a few months. Mohammad, Afraa, their two children, Naya and Nael, and Mohammad’s brother, Ali, arrived in Canada in February as refugees, after fleeing the war in Syria.
In July, a fire broke out in the family’s home. Fortunately, no one was injured, but most of what little they did have was destroyed.
The Guay-Bourbonnais family home, in Marieville, Quebec, was completely destroyed by a violent fire.
“I didn’t want help. I just couldn’t accept that I was a disaster victim,” recalls the mother of the family, Caroline. However, in the midst of the chaos, two Red Cross volunteers approached her and said “This disaster has affected you. It’s okay to let yourself be helped.”