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When Typhoon Maysak made landfall in the North Pacific island nation, Micronesia, approximately 30,000 people were affected in some way. 

Every year more than 20,000 Albertans are loaned walkers, canes, crutches and other health equipment, for free, thanks to Canadian Red Cross volunteers like Mike Pudelko.

Pudelko has been volunteering as a technician with the Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP) for about three years now, and enjoys the work so much that he even comes in on his days off. 

The Canadian Red Cross is part of a delegation visiting Ebola-affected areas of West Africa this week, accompanying Dr. Greg Taylor, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, in visits to various treatment centres and in affected communities. Canadian Red Cross President and CEO, Conrad Sauvé, and Stephen Cornish, executive director of MSF (Médecins Sans Frontières), were part of the delegation.

Volunteers bring many different skills and talents to the Canadian Red Cross. Volunteering isn’t one size fits all! Check out this interactive quiz to find your volunteer type. ​

The Round-up offers a weekly sample of what our sister Red Cross Societies are working on around the world.

Floods are the most frequent and costly natural disasters in Canada. A flood is often caused by heavy rainfall and the rapid melting of a thick snow pack in the spring. During this time the majority of Canadian rivers, and other large bodies of water, swell, increasing the risk of flooding. The potential for flood damage is particularly high where there is development on low-lying, flood-prone lands.

Canadian Red Cross delegate Karen Leiva is currently on a mission in Micronesia with the International Federation of Red Cross to assess the damage caused by Typhoon Maysak. It’s considered a silent disaster, as it has gone mostly unnoticed outside of the region and occurred on the heels of another emergency in the Pacific, Cyclone Pam. The Red Cross responds to hundreds of these silent disasters every year. Karen shares some of the challenges of reaching remote communities.

Did you know that over 20,000 Canadians dedicate their time to helping others as Red Cross volunteers? As we mark National Volunteer Week, it’s time to say thank you to these everyday heroes!