Imagine if a natural disaster separated you from your family. What if armed conflict tore your community apart and you did not know if your loved one was safe?
For countless families throughout the world, this troubling scenario is more than just a possibility - it's a reality.
The role of the Canadian Red Cross
What would you do if a loved one wasn't with you, or was living in a nearby town when the conflict occurred? If you were forced to leave the country as a result of an emergency, would you know how to get in touch with the relatives you had no choice but to leave behind?
As part of the world's largest non-profit organization, the Canadian Red Cross responds to large-scale catastrophes wherever they strike with crucial aid and life-saving programs. For migrants and refugees, the Canadian Red Cross provides resources and can assist in family reunification.
Discovering the fate of relatives
People who leave their native countries can become separated from loved ones, but the Canadian Red Cross can facilitate the process of restoring family links. Other finding family services, like a Health and Wellness report, can be made available to families.
Conducting prisoner visits
The Canadian Red Cross provides support for the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which has been mandated by the global community to conduct prisoner visits in areas of detainment and internment.
Delegates of the ICRC are able to tour and inspect prison grounds, speaking privately with detainees. These actions can help prevent prisoner maltreatment and abuse by making sure that the facilities are safe.
While families may not be able to see or speak directly with a loved one who is detained, knowing that the Canadian Red Cross works to ensure that relatives are treated with dignity and respect during captivity can be a source of solace.
Make an impact today
Whether you've reconnected with loved ones as a result of the Canadian Red Cross' remarkable services or you're just empathetic to the problems facing migrants and refugees who have been separated from relatives, by showing your support for the Canadian Red Cross, you can ensure that families have access to a wide range of programs. This can draw them closer together in the aftermath of a major emergency or disaster.
By visiting our website or contacting your local Canadian Red Cross office today, you can make a difference in the lives of those in need.