Canadian Red Cross worker receives Diamond Jubilee Medal

Topics: Worldwide, Our Impact on the Ground
April 05, 2013

Canadian Red Cross worker receives Diamond Jubilee Medal

The Canadian Red Cross is an active non-profit organization that responds to the needs of people who have been affected by emergencies and disasters, as well as other incidents, like violence and abuse.

The services offered by the organization strive to address the needs of individuals who have endured hardships and give them the resources to overcome potential setbacks.

To do so, the Canadian Red Cross relies on the support of individuals who are committed to providing humanitarian assistance as well as the work of its dedicated staff and volunteers.

Recently, a Canadian Red Cross worker received a prestigious award honouring his substantial contributions to the Red Cross' work abroad.

Howard's story
Howard Arfin first became involved with the Canadian Red Cross in 1958, as a member of the Junior Red Cross in Montreal.

Since then, he's worked as an International Red Cross delegate. His career has taken him from Ethiopia, where he worked on an assessment mission, to projects in other parts of Africa, India and Southeast Asia.

For the last two years, he has worked in the Caribbean. Over the course of his career, he's received the Order of the Red Cross, the Canadian Red Cross Distinguished Service Medal and the Canada Centennial Medal. Recently, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for raising awareness of Canada's humanitarian programs abroad.

"From the front lines of our relief and recovery operations, I have been able to explain through television, radio, web and print what we are doing and this has helped us mobilize more support for our work," said Howard. "This is a part of my responsibilities that I find incredibly satisfying."

For Howard, the benefits of working with the Canadian Red Cross include getting to know and recognize the hard work of fellow volunteers and delegates.

"I appreciate the opportunity to recognise other people for the great work that they are doing for our Red Cross movement," he added. "Awards like these serve as motivation to continue doing the work."

Make a difference
When a disaster strikes, the Canadian Red Cross is there to provide a range of services that help those in need. The resources offered provide individuals affected by hardships with the opportunity to overcome challenges and gain the skills they'll need to become more resilient.

With the support of people like you, the Canadian Red Cross can provide much-needed aid to individuals who have been impacted by adversity. 

To show your support for the humanitarian work of the Red Cross and to make a difference in someone's life today, please donate online or at your local Canadian Red Cross office.

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