The Greater New York branch of the American Red Cross is still handling cleanup efforts following Sandy, but they are also helping to respond to the increased number of house fires that occur at this time of year.
At the Canadian Red Cross, calls also come in to dispatch centres at all hours of the day and night from fire departments and emergency officials when families are forced out of their homes by fire. The Canadian Red Cross has over 5,000 volunteers that are called on to comfort those affected and depending on their needs, provide temporary shelter, food, clothing, blankets, stuffed animals for children, and referrals for other community services. This is how our volunteers make a difference every day in communities across Canada.
Want to help out? Find out how to become a volunteer in your community or offer your support to the Red Cross so we have the resources available to train volunteers and provide relief and assistance.