Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions are among those most frequently asked by the public about Canadian Red Cross operations and structure. The answers here are intended as a brief, informative summary, with links to more complete references in the website. If your question is not addressed here, please send your inquiry to WeCare@redcross.ca.
- What is the Canadian Red Cross?
- What does the Canadian Red Cross do?
- Where does the Canadian Red Cross operate?
- How do I make a donation?
- Can I raise money for the Canadian Red Cross though a fundraising event?
- What if I have misplaced my receipt?
- Where can I find information about first aid courses or first aid certification?
- How can I become a first aid or CPR instructor?
- How can I purchase a first aid kit?
- Where can I find information about swimming and water safety courses?
- As a donor, how can I manage the amount of mail that I receive from the Canadian Red Cross or make changes to my monthly giving account?
- How do I volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross?
- Why do you spend money on mailing out calendars and address labels?
- Why do you have people asking for donations on the street, door to door and over the phone?
- Does the Canadian Red Cross accept donations of medical equipment?
- How do I take the On Board test to receive my Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
- How can I become a water safety instructor?
- Where can I give blood?
- Is the Canadian Red Cross part of the government or how does it relate to the Canadian government?
- Where does the Canadian Red Cross get its funding?
- What is the Canadian Red Cross’ Cost of Fundraising?
- How are donations for appeals managed?
- What is the organizational structure of the Canadian Red Cross?
- Does the Canadian Red Cross send volunteers to work overseas? How can I work overseas for the Red Cross?
- In a large-scale emergency, why does the Red Cross ask for money instead of donations of food, clothing or other supplies?
- What is the Canadian Red Cross’ position on war and conflict?
- Where can I find information on refugee services?
- What makes the Canadian Red Cross a good choice for a financial donation?
- How can I l make a lasting humanitarian impact?
- What is the Canadian Red Cross?
The Canadian Red Cross Society is a non-profit, humanitarian organization dedicated to improving the situation of the most vulnerable in Canada and throughout the world. The Canadian Red Cross is a National Society and member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement—this includes the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Federation) and the over 187 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
- What does the Canadian Red Cross do?
Our mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world. We provide a wide range of assistance to millions of people in Canada through health services, injury prevention (such as water safety and first aid), violence and abuse prevention, and by responding to and preparing for disasters. We also help the world’s most vulnerable populations, including victims of armed conflict and communities destroyed by devastating disasters, through our international programs.
- Where does the Canadian Red Cross operate?
The Canadian Red Cross provides programs and services to communities in all provinces and territories across Canada. Contact your local office to learn more about the programs and services in your region. The Canadian Red Cross also operates worldwide, providing support to more than 50 countries and directly managing projects in more than 20 countries
- How do I make a donation?
To make a donation, please visit www.redcross.ca and click the orange Donate Now button or call 1-800-418-1111. Alternativeley, you can mail or drop of your donation to your local Red Cross office
- Can I raise money for the Canadian Red Cross though a fundraising event?
We are very grateful for anyone who would like to help us raise money through a community fundraising event or employee campaign. BEFORE you start planning, please start by contacting your local Red Cross office (click on the link and scroll down the page) to speak with a member of our fundraising team.
- What if I have misplaced my receipt?
Please email us at WeCare@redcross.ca or call 1-800-418-1111 to request a copy of your receipt. In order for us to handle your request as quickly as possible, please provide us with your full name, address, the amount of the donation as well as the method of your donation (Canadian Red Cross office, online, via our contact center, etc). Receipt inquiries may take up to two weeks to resolve. We thank you for your patience.
- Where can I find information about first aid courses or first aid certification?
The Canadian Red Cross offers First Aid and Injury Prevention programs for all ages—from children to adults— and for all skill and interest levels—from babysitters to first responders. Please visit the First Aid section for details about these programs or call 1-877-356-3226.
- How can I become a first aid or CPR instructor?
The Canadian Red Cross First Aid Instructor Development Program trains and certifies Instructors to deliver First Aid & CPR courses. Please visit the Instructor Development Program section of our web site for program information.
- How can I purchase a first aid kit?
To purchase a First Aid kit or other items for sale by the Red Cross, please click the ‘Purchase Red Cross products and kits’ under the ‘Shop’ Section located on our home page www.redcross.ca
- Where can I find information about swimming and water safety courses?
Canadian Red Cross Water Safetyprograms include swimming and water safety lessons for infants through to adults. Visit the Swimming &Water Safety section for details about these programs. The Canadian Red Cross delivers its water safety programs through a network of almost 3,800 pool and waterfront authorized providers and partners. To register for training, please click on the red "Find a Course" button at the top of this page.
- As a donor, how can I manage the amount of mail that I receive from the Canadian Red Cross or make changes to my monthly giving account?
Donor mail is a successful part of the Canadian Red Cross’ fundraising efforts. However, you can control the volume and frequency of publications you receive. If you wish to tailor the mail you receive from the Red Cross, please contact WeCare@redcross.ca or call 1-800-418-1111 to speak to one of our donor relations specialists. To handle your request as quickly as possible, please provide your full name and address.
- How do I volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross?
Please start by calling your local Red Cross office and a Red Cross representative will be able to assist with your inquiry. Please note that the Red Cross does not send volunteers overseas. Specially trained personnel or delegates are hired to work in areas of conflict or disasters or on longer-term development projects.
Candidates interested in becoming international aid workers can now do so online. Potential candidates will be evaluated as part of a selection process. Candidates who are retained must successfully complete our seven-day International Mobilization and Preparation for Action (IMPACT) course. Limited numbers of candidates from across the country are chosen to participate in this training session.
- Why do you spend money on mailing out calendars and address labels?
The practice of sending out premiums overall is quite common, as many charities are finding this an effective method of fundraising. Most of our donors are quite receptive to receiving these extras each year. The cost of sending out these premiums is a minimal expense and has virtually no impact on our publically donated funds. If you no longer wish to receive these items, please email us at WeCare@redcross.ca and please be sure to include your complete address.
- Why do you have people asking for donations on the street, door to door and over the phone?
Since 2003 the Canadian Red Cross has been conducting face to face and telemarketing campaigns across the country. These campaigns are part of the Canadian RedCross’ national strategy to recruit new monthly donors. Face-to-face canvassing is one of the best ways toattract new monthly donors and telemarketing allows us to have a conversation with our current donors to explain the benefits of a monthly gift to both them, and our organization. For more information regarding these fundraising programs, please visit www.redcross.ca/f2f. To become a monthly donor please visit http://www.redcross.ca/monthlygift.asp
- Does the Canadian Red Cross accept donations of medical equipment?
In some areas of the country, the Canadian Red Cross operates a Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP). For information regarding donations of equipment or services offered in your area, please contact your local Red Cross office. By calling your local office a Red Cross representative will be able to assist you with your inquiry.
- How do I take the On Board test to receive my Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
Canadian Red Cross participation in the Pleasure Craft Operator Card program ended December 31, 2008. The Canadian Red Cross remains committed to the safety of Canadian boaters. We have determined that our resources will be more effectively allocated elsewhere under our expanding injury prevention mandate to reach those who participate in boating activities. As of December 31, 2008, the Canadian Red Cross On Board program will no longer issue new PCO Cards. For information on how to obtain your PCO card or to inquire about a replacement card, please visit the Boating Safety section of our website.
- How can I become a water safety instructor?
The Canadian Red Cross Instructor Development Program trains and certifies instructors to teach and deliver the Swimming and Water Safety programs and promotes volunteer involvement within the Canadian Red Cross. Visit the Instructor Development Program section of our web site for more information. To register for training click on the red "Find a Course" button at the top of this page.
- Where can I give blood?
The Canadian Red Cross does not conduct operations for blood donations. For information about giving blood, contact Canadian Blood Services at 1 888 2 DONATE or at www.bloodservices.ca. In Quebec, contact Héma-Québec at 1-800-847-2525 or www.hema-quebec.qc.ca.
- Is the Canadian Red Cross part of the government or how does it relate to the Canadian government?
The Canadian Red Cross is an independent charity and not part of the Canadian government. The Canadian Red Cross supports federal, provincial and municipal governments by providing many services to the general public, including responding to and preparing for disasters, health services, injury prevention, and violence and abuse prevention.
The Red Cross also serves as an advisor and partner to the federal government by addressing current and emerging issues in global affairs that have an impact on humanitarian work—for example, international humanitarian law (IHL).
In 2008, the Canadian Red Cross completed a wide-ranging public consultation process to explore the status and future of the Canadian Red Cross’ role as auxiliary to government in the humanitarian field. Learn more»
- Where does the Canadian Red Cross get its funding?
The Canadian Red Cross relies on public donations, corporate partnerships, public grants and program revenue. In times of disaster or conflict, the Red Cross may launch an appeal for cash donations to support relief work in that area. We also accept donations to support our on-going national and international programs. More detailed information about the Canadian Red Cross’s revenues and expenses is available in our latest 2011 Annual Report
- What is the Canadian Red Cross’ Cost of Fundraising?
The Canadian Red Cross is extremely committed to honouring the intent of our donors and keeping costs as low as possible. Fundraising costs are based on charges incurred for each individual appeal, which include receipting, processing credit cards, reporting etc. The cost of fundraising is dependent on how people donate and therefore administration costs can differ on different appeals. The Canadian Red Cross encourages Canadian donors to donate via the most cost-effective means which includes making a donation online; phoning 1-800-418-1111, mailing in a donation or by becoming a monthly donor.
The Canadian Red Cross is transparent in our reporting to donors. The Canadian Red Cross reports on finances every year, including our cost of fundraising in our annual report which is available on our website at www.redcross.ca
- How are donations for appeals managed?
When disasters strike or crises develop in Canada or around the world, the Red Cross may appeal for funds in order to provide humanitarian relief. The Red Cross determines the needs of the affected population and the type of assistance that is required, based on guidelines and assessments of the immediate, short and long-term assistance required.
The Canadian Red Cross is extremely committed to honouring the intent of our donors and keeping costs as low as possible. All donations raised for disaster appeals are put into a separate account, earmarked to that appeal, and are used to support emergency response, relief and recovery operations in affected countries. Fundraising costs are based on charges incurred for each individual appeal, which include receipting, processing credit cards, reporting etc.
Funds that are not required for immediate use are invested in a manner that is consistent with the statement of investment policies approved by the National Audit and Finance Committee of the Society. All funds are accounted for in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in Canada.
The Canadian Red Cross is transparent in our reporting to donors. The Canadian Red Cross reports on finances every year in our annual report which is available on our website at www.redcross.ca
- What is the organizational structure of the Canadian Red Cross?
The Canadian Red Cross Society operates across Canada and internationally, supported by over 26,000 volunteers and 6,400 employees. The Society is organized geographically into Atlantic Zone, Quebec Zone, Ontario Zone, Western Zone and International Operations. Within each zone there are regions and branches – 295 branches across Canada.
On the governance side, the Board of Governors is composed entirely of volunteers and is headed by the Society’s President. They establish national policy,monitor performance and recommend strategic directions to the General Assembly.Governance is cascaded throughout the organization with zone, regional and branch councils, which ensures the unique needs of each community is reflected in the services offered across the country.
On the management side, the Secretary General and CEO establishes national goals and strategies for the Society, supported by national directors and zone director generals.
- Does the Canadian Red Cross send volunteers to work overseas? How can I work overseas for the Red Cross?
The Canadian Red Cross does not send volunteers overseas. Specially trained personnel called delegates are hired to work in areas of conflict or disasters or on longer-term development projects.
Candidates interested in becoming international aid workers can now do so online. Potential candidates will be evaluated as part of a selection process. Candidates who are retained must successfully complete our seven-day International Mobilization and Preparation for Action (IMPACT) course. Limited numbers of candidates from across the country are chosen to participate in this training session.
- In a large-scale emergency, why does the Red Cross ask for money instead of donations of food, clothing or other supplies?
Over a century of experience has proven that the best way to support Canadian Red Cross disaster responses in Canada or around the world is through a financial donation. This gives us maximum flexibility to obtain exactly what relief materials we need, when and where we need them. We do not accept donations from individuals of items like food, clothing or toys because there are tremendous transportation costs involved in shipping these items. Local purchases of food and clothing are more culturally appropriate and effective. Click here to donate now. If you are interested in volunteering with the Red Cross, please visit our volunteering page.
- What is the Canadian Red Cross’ position on war and conflict?
The Red Cross refrains from commenting on the arguments for or against a conflict. The Red Cross’ concerns are from a humanitarian viewpoint, in line with our mandate under international humanitarian law (IHL) and guided by the seven Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross Movement. The Principle of Neutrality states that in order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.
Our concern is for the serious consequences that war and internal conflict have on the population. Our mandate in conflict situations is to prevent human suffering, to protect the lives of civilians and to promote respect for IHL—a set of rules that seek, for humanitarian reasons, to limit the effects of armed conflict, protect persons who are not participating in the hostilities and restrict the means and methods of warfare.
- Where can I find information on refugee services?
In some areas of the country, the Canadian Red Cross operates a First Contact program for refugees. To find out if this service is offered in your area, please locate your local Red Cross office. By calling your local office a Red Cross representative will be able to assist with your inquiry.
- What makes the Canadian Red Cross a good choice for a financial donation?
The Red Cross has more than a century of disaster management and conflict response experience around the world, a global network of staff and volunteers and a local presence in over 186 countries. So anywhere emergency strikes, the Red Cross has personnel who know the local area, its language, culture and challenges and who can be on-scene quickly.
The Red Cross is particularly effective because of its global network of volunteers, all united by seven fundamental principles including neutrality, which offers access to areas where other organizations may be denied. All Red Cross personnel are motivated by a single purpose: to help those who need it most, regardless of location, race, political beliefs, religion, social status or culture.
- How can I l make a lasting humanitarian impact?
Including the Canadian Red Cross in your legacy planning through your Will or through another option, is one of the most significant and lasting contributions you can make to the cause of humanity. There will always be situations in which the Red Cross is needed, and you can place us there- whenever and wherever people in crisis need our help. To learn more about including a humanitarian intent in your legacy planning, please go to Planned Giving - Legacy- Canadian Red Cross
