Red Cross Messages
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When regular postal service is not available due to a conflict or major disaster, Red Cross offers a unique service that allows family members to stay in contact. Red Cross Messages often only consist of a few words, but can ease the minds of worried loved ones half a world away. Red Cross Messages can also be delivered to persons in detention centres through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Detainees have the opportunity to send or reply to Red Cross Messages during visits with the ICRC.
Each year Canadian Red Cross sends and receives between 500 to 600 Red Cross Messages.
The delivery of the family message can take many months. Often, the security situation in conflict or disaster areas may limit ICRC access and the reduce the capacity of the National Society involved to provide Restoring Family Links services.
Red Cross Messages may contain personal and family news only. Content may be checked by authorities in the destination countries. Official documents and photos can be attached to a Red Cross Message.
To send a Red Cross Message, contact your local Red Cross office.
Sample of a form for a Red Cross Message
You Make the Difference – Support Our Family Reunification Program
The Canadian Red Cross Restoring Family Links program helps people in Canada to re-establish contact with immediate family members after separation due to armed conflict, natural disaster, migration and other humanitarian crises. Please donate to the Canadian Red Cross Fund.
