Volunteer Rose Benson shows no sign of slowing down after 30 years with Red Cross

Guest post by Kathryn Dunmore, Red Cross Blogger

April 6 - 12 is National Volunteer Week. Meet some of the inspiring Red Cross volunteers who help us fulfill our mission in communities across Canada.

Having recently turned 82, Canadian Red Cross volunteer Rose Benson has given thought to slowing down but she is too busy to give it much thought as she keeps active in multiple programs organized by the Red Cross. 

 

Rose has volunteered with the Canadian Red Cross for 30 years and is still active as an instructor for babysitting training courses, first aid certification and RespectED workshops including bullying prevention and healthy relationships.

 

In her community of North Battleford in Saskatchewan, she is also a disaster response volunteer, visiting families in vulnerable situations from flood or fire.

 

“I like to keep busy, it keeps me out of trouble,” said Rose. “I try to make all the difference I can. The Red Cross’ mission statement of improving the lives of those who are vulnerable fits with what I want to do.”

 

During her 30 years with the Canadian Red Cross, Rose has been deployed to a number of large disasters, in Canada and abroad, including Hurricane George in Puerto Rico and the World Trade Centres destruction in New York. In Canada, she has been involved in many evacuations from fires and floods over the years.

 

“I’ve always been a hands-on, front line kind of person,” she explained. “It feeds my soul to make a difference.”

 

Rose has been nominated for the Order of Red Cross, which amazingly surprised her.

 

“Being nominated blows my mind and getting dressed up for it blows my mind too.”

 

The Canadian Red Cross thanks Rose for her ongoing and dedicated commitment in helping others.

For more information on volunteering, visit www.redcross.ca/volunteer