This past year, the Canadian Red Cross has continued to assist those facing disaster, conflict, injury or illness – both here at home and around the world. We would like to share with you some of the highlights from 2012.
Red Cross Recognized for Charity Efficiency
As a supporter of the Red Cross, you can feel confident that your donations have made a significant impact by improving the lives of vulnerable people everywhere. In 2012, Money Sense magazine conducted their third annual study of 100 of Canada’s largest charitable organizations. Charity efficiency, fundraising efficiency, governance and transparency, and reserve fund size were ranked and the Canadian Red Cross received an “A+” in each category. We are grateful for the support we receive from our donors and will always work diligently to ensure your donations make a true difference in the lives of others.
Responding to Disasters
Each year, the Red Cross responds to thousands of people who are affected by disasters and 2012 was no exception. In May, devastating floods in Thunder Bay resulted in the largest Red Cross response in Ontario in the last decade. In 18 days, more than 160 Red Cross staff and volunteers logged over 14,000 hours providing support and assistance to the families affected by the flood. Shelter, clothing, food, first aid and clean-up kits were provided to the 2,150 residents whose homes were damaged.
Forest fires across the northern region of the province throughout the warmer months also required assistance from the Red Cross. And throughout the year, teams of disaster management volunteers in cities across the province responded to house fires, gas leaks and ice storms. In situations like these, the Red Cross helps families take the first steps towards getting back on their feet.
When responding to disasters and health emergencies internationally, the Canadian Red Cross also draws from a network of highly trained delegates, many of whom bring professional expertise including nurses and doctors. Our Emergency response Unit (ERU) for example, is a mobile hospital that can be deployed to international disasters within 48 hours. Recently, Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation, and Laureen Harper, wife of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, toured the ERU facilities and observed a training session.
Beyond our Borders
The Red Cross is often called to assist in large-scale disasters beyond our borders. In November, Hurricane Sandy led to widespread devastation in several U.S. states and left thousands of Americans in desperate need of aid. The American Red Cross requested assistance and more than 70 volunteers from Canada were deployed, 23 of whom were from Ontario. Volunteers were able to assist with a myriad of tasks including logistics and managing shelters. Canadians generously donated more than $1.8 million to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy.
In addition to responding to disasters abroad, the Canadian Red Cross also contributes to numerous humanitarian projects. Each year, more than 7.6 million children die from diseases that are preventable. On average, 726 women die each day as a result of complications during pregnancy, childbirth or in the weeks immediately following delivery. Working in partnership with the Canadian International Development Agency, the Canadian Red Cross has already invested more than $70 million towards Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) in remote, rural areas of Africa, South America and Asia. In the coming years, we will be working to increase our capacity to help. With your support, we hope to raise $25 million that will be used to purchase malaria nets, certify community health volunteers in first aid, improve health and nutrition and treat conditions such as diarrhea, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. By providing these basic health services, the Canadian Red Cross can help ensure women and their babies have the best start to their new lives together.
Building Strength & Spirit
This past year also marked the official launch of the Red Cross Strength and Spirit Campaign in Ontario. This $1.5 million initiative will build resiliency and capacity in First Nation communities who are more vulnerable to injury, natural disasters, family violence and suicide. To date, a total of $850,000 has been raised. One component of this initiative is to pilot Red Cross satellite offices in First Nation communities. The first satellite office has opened in Moose Cree First Nation, in Moose Factory, Ontario, and will offer disaster management as well as violence and abuse prevention programs. This satellite office will also serve as a hub of excellence, providing support to other First Nation communities in the North. A second satellite office in a southern Ontario First Nation community is planned for the future. Please visit www.redcross.ca/strengthandspirit to learn more.
Red Cross in Your Community
Although the Red Cross is perhaps best known for its role responding to disasters, we are active in many other ways in communities across Ontario.
We prevent injuries through swimming, water safety, first aid and CPR programs. Our violence and abuse prevention programs offer innovative solutions for communities and schools who want to put an end to bullying.
And for elderly, injured or frail community members, we offer Meals on Wheels, transportation services and health equipment loan programs, with the goal of enabling people to remain living in their own homes for as long as possible.
These stories are just a snapshot of the work that is happening every day through the Canadian Red Cross. With your ongoing support, we will continue to be there again this year, wherever the Red Cross is needed. Thank you for your generosity. We wish you a safe and healthy 2013.
