Red Cross Talks (Page 24)

Eight years ago, Janis Mack retired from her 42-year career as a pharmacist and began volunteering with the Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP) in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. HELP provides community healthcare equipment loan services in 75 locations across B.C. and Yukon to people recovering from illness or injury or wanting to spend their final days at home.

Ian Dalsin works with computers for a living, so when he was looking for a volunteer role, he wanted something more hands on.
“I often get stuck behind a screen for extended periods of time,” says the Edmonton-based IT consultant. “It’s nice to be able to step out and deal with people face to face.”

A four decades-long military career taught Bernard St-Laurent the importance of service to others. Since retiring from the military eleven years ago, Bernard has shifted his focus to volunteering with the Canadian Red Cross. Bernard says he has witnessed firsthand the power of the Red Cross, at home and abroad, to help people and communities in times of need.

Being part of the Canadian Red Cross Friendly Phone Program in Saskatchewan isn’t about talking on the phone, says long-time volunteer Brad Hebert.
 “I don’t really talk on the phone a lot,” he thought when he first considered volunteering for the program. “But what I found out was that you don’t need to be a good talker; you need to be a good listener.”
 

Meet Igor, a volunteer for the Red Cross Meals on Wheels program in St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Pregnancy can be a lot of things, exciting, terrifying, emotional, gassy - but no matter what, it means taking steps to care for yourself and your offspring.

After nearly losing her life in a fire and helplessly looking on as a man died of a heart attack, Chantale Bilodeau began volunteering with the Red Cross. Chantale has spent the last 12 years working for the organization she cares so deeply about and is now sharing her remarkable story.

Getting outside during the COVID-19 pandemic can be a boon for both body and mind, but not everyone is lucky enough to live near nature or have the means to get there. That’s why Altrusa International of Nanaimo decided to distribute bus tickets and maps to people in need - along with masks and hand sanitizer - to help them connect with the outdoors.