Emergency (Page 8)

Read blog posts from the Canadian Red Cross about emergencies and disasters at home and abroad

Latest Posts

Would you know what to do in case of a landslide like the one in Saint-Jean-Vianney?

Historical black and white photo of the landslide - a rubble and mud slide with houses perched precariously at the edge.

Fifty years ago, on May 4, 1971, a landslide swallowed 56 homes in the village of Saint-Jean-Vianney in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, claiming 31 lives and forcing 1,342 people to seek refuge in reception centres and shelters.
 

Historical black and white photo of the landslide - a rubble and mud slide with houses perched precariously at the edge.

Five inspiring stories mark five years of resilience and progress after Alberta wildfires

Disasters affect people in different ways, but it is clear that hope, gratitude and determination prevail in stories of the devastating 2016 wildfires in Fort McMurray and the surrounding region. There are many stories of people helping people in the region, but the five following stories showcase the power of humanity at its best.

Fort McMurray and Area Floods: One Year Update

Two Red Cross team members standing in a tent talking to a resident of Fort McMurray

When spring flooding forced thousands to leave their homes in northern Alberta last year, seniors living in downtown Fort McMurray were hit hard. Luana Bussieres, executive director of St. Aidan’s Society in Fort McMurray, says the organization is grateful for the support offered by the Red Cross to help seniors along their path to recovery after the flooding.

Two Red Cross team members standing in a tent talking to a resident of Fort McMurray

Ian Dalsin: Volunteering to get out from behind a computer

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.”

From fires to floods: Military veteran continues to serve personal disaster assistance in Ontario

Bernard standing in a cap, mask and red vest

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.

Bernard standing in a cap, mask and red vest

Nanaimo group helps community members connect with nature during the pandemic

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.

Coaching through a crisis

Two Red Cross workers walk past a Red Cross vehicle.

Can you think about the last time you started a new job? How everything was new for you, processes were confusing. Now, imagine that this new job is responding to the resurgence of Ebola in a neighbouring country during a pandemic. This is the tough job Jimmy Zaka Mansongele had to face when he was sent to the Republic of Congo as an Operations Manager for the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC).

Two Red Cross workers walk past a Red Cross vehicle.

Knitting through COVID-19, and through Red Cross history

A black and white photo from the archives showing a circle of women sitting around a table with knitting supplies

For me, knitting is one of those things that does wonders for my mental health, now more than ever.
As the pile of my so called “pandemic projects” and “COVID cast-ons” grew, I couldn’t help but connect the dots to other times when my chosen hobby played a part during history.

A black and white photo from the archives showing a circle of women sitting around a table with knitting supplies

See your impact in action.

Sign up to receive impact updates from the Canadian Red Cross, inspirational stories from the field and be the first to hear about emergency relief efforts.

The Canadian Red Cross takes your privacy seriously. We do not distribute or sell your email address to anyone. View our privacy policy.

About The Blog

The purpose of this blog, quite simply, is to talk. This blog is an opportunity for Red Cross staff, volunteers, supporters and friends to share stories about what is happening in your community and the important work you are doing. It is a tool that will help keep all of us connected.

Blog Archives