Red Cross Programs

Adam Boyles of St. John’s was recently honoured with a Rescuer Award from the Canadian Red Cross for intervening and performing CPR after his friend John McDermott experienced cardiac arrest on a basketball court at the YMCA in St. John’s in March 2023.

The Red Cross has always been an organization close to Murray Hill’s heart. Throughout his childhood, his father instilled in him that the Red Cross makes a difference in people’s lives all over the world. This deep reverence is what eventually prompted Murray to become a Red Cross volunteer with the Friendly Calls program.

As of early 2023, Haiti continues to experience a major security, social, economic, and public health crisis. Despite the deteriorating security situation, namely tied to armed violence, the Red Cross continues its essential work in support of the people of Haiti. One approach we have taken is providing direct financial assistance for the people who are still recovering from the 2021 Earthquake. To date, the Cash and Voucher Assistance program has enabled 1,400 households in the municipalities of Corail and Pestel, in Grande Anse, to meet their essential humanitarian needs and provides much needed relief during these difficult times.

One area we’re seeing a large amount of success is with corporate partners – teams of colleagues working together on impactful projects like mapping, to help vulnerable communities be recognized on a map in times of emergencies or helping in our warehouse to pack critical supplies. See how these company teams are getting involved on-the-ground.

Every day, members of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement respond to emergencies and disasters around the world. Each Red Cross or Red Crescent National Society is distinct from each other but linked together by the same guiding principles. So how does this all work? 

CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is depicted in many ways on-screen, often for the benefit of the movie or show’s drama or timeframe.
Instead of focusing on how incorrectly CPR can be depicted, we want to focus on the accuracy of a few simple steps – steps which could save lives.

There are many beliefs or myths that can and do stop people from helping another individual in distress, such as cardiac arrest. In fact, seven out of 10 cardiac arrests happen in front of bystanders, however less than 20% of bystanders end up providing first aid.

A new program has been launched to help community service organizations in Canada strengthen their internal structures and practices as they recover from the pandemic. This will, in turn, assist them as they continue to support their communities.