By Angela Hill
Bill and Paula Green were ready to welcome people home from the moment the evacuation order on 100 Mile House was lifted.
The Canadian Red Cross volunteers from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan spent about two weeks in the community, providing assistance to returning B.C. wildfire evacuees.
“We do this together as a couple. It’s something we both feel passionate about,” Paula said.
Bill agrees.
“We’re passionate about the Red Cross, we’re passionate about helping people and the thing we like about the Red Cross ... it’s very nimble,” he said, then elaborated.
“When you are going out to help somebody ... you’re not just going to talk the talk, you are going to walk the walk. [People] are going to come away from the Red Cross with something immediately and that’s the part we like.”
Over the past 11 years they have responded to flooding and fire disasters in Ontario, B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan. The pair also helps families by providing Red Cross support after house fires and other personal disasters.
“It was perfect because Bill and I could go as a couple and they want to send two people,” Paula said.
Both Paula and Bill said that having each other for support helps with any deployment, but they have another motivation.
“When you’ve eased some of their pain, or you’ve eased their stress, that’s rejuvenating for me,” Paula said.
“When you can help a young family or a family in need, you know you are meeting the needs of children and adults and sometimes even grandparents. That’s really the most fulfilling part,” Bill added.
Bill and Paula aren’t the only married couple volunteering with the Red Cross in the B.C. wildfire response. The Red Cross has several couples who are giving their time.
Interested in volunteering? Learn more about opportunities with the Canadian Red Cross.