The Canadian Red Cross regularly provides humanitarian aid in the wake of large disasters worldwide and in Canada with the help of public donations. But the non-profit organization is also focused on providing relief to those impacted by "silent disasters."
Reaching out to the victims of 'silent disasters'
Silent disasters are the kind of small tragedies that happen every day in communities across Canada. Every 12 minutes, someone is helped by the Canadian Red Cross - even if no one hears about it. House fires, minor floodings, collapsing roofs and other quieter events regularly change lives, and the Canadian Red Cross is there to provide shelter, food, clothing and much more.
Nine out of ten of these disasters never make the headlines. But the pain and devastation caused by these "silent disasters" is real for those who are affected.
The Canadian Red Cross reaches beyond just those silent disasters as well. The organization gives back to the community through programs like Meals on Wheels or the loaning of medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, to those who can't afford them.
This year, the Canadian Red Cross holiday campaign is focused on providing individuals directly with the essential items they rely on everyday. Head to the holiday campaign website, and you'll be presented with three stories about individuals in need. Each of these stories represents a group - a family struck by a silent disaster, an elderly person in need of hot meals and medical services, or a baby and mother in need of food, clothing and comfort. You can contribute to any of these causes by creating a custom gift of items you'd like to donate.
This way, you know exactly what your gift is and what kind of difference it can make. You can even give the gift if your own name or on behalf of someone you know and send them an e-card with them.