Your Red Cross Story

This digital project launched on July 1, 2016 with 120 historical items that bring the first 120 years of Canadian Red Cross history into focus. All items signify important moments of our history and many reflect significant moments in Canadian and world history as well.

If the Red Cross has ever played a role in your family's life and you have a special item to share, we invite you to submit it and tell your Red Cross Story.

Submit an item

Canadian Red Cross Junior Magazine

1962

My parents saved childhood things for me. I was just going through a box and found it. It brings back good memories of my parents, my mother has passed away but my father is still with us.

January 2021

WWI Ambulance Photograph

1914

This WW1 ambulance was one of a fleet of trucks donated by the McLaughlin-Buick Company of Canada. The young man leaning on the cowl is Arthur Morfee, who worked on my grandfather's farm prewar. He sent this photo to my grandfather after enlisting.

Submitted by: Jim, April 2020

Wartime Red Cross Blood Donor poster

Second World War or possibly earlier

As a collector of Canadian Military Memorabilia, I stumbled across this poster and felt it would add a new direction to my collection. Poster was located in Price Edward County Ontario.

Submitted by: Dave, October 2019

Canadian Red Cross Quilt

1940s

I discovered this quilt in a barn in Alling/Munih in 1987. I bought it. At first I didn’t know what a treasure I had. Canadian women made thousands of quilts for worn-torn Europe. My family in Germany is grateful to own an excellent piece of art.

Submitted by: Gerti, April 2019

Canadian Red Cross Quilt: especially nice Nine Patch Quilt of lovely fabrics

1940s

What a touching gesture! I am grateful to own a bit of this peace offering. It would be wonderful if the descendants of the Canadian quilters hear that the work of their mothers, grandmothers or aunts still exists and is admired.

Submitted by: Elisabeth, April 2019

When You Get Home Booklet

1918

I believe this book was given to my great, great grandfather when he returned from the war to Iowa. It has been in my family ever since.

Submitted by: Miles, May 2018

Save Lives! Comic Book

1962

My father received this book from a service station in Toronto when he filled up with gas many years ago. We had a cottage on Lake Simcoe, so this booklet was relevant to my father since all the kids were in the water constantly during the summer months.

Submitted by: Laurie, December 2017

Red Cross Junior Magazine Nov. 1955

November 1955

This magazine was part of what was done in schools during the 1950s which also included some first aid training and a card. This occurred in Louth Township schools during this time. Great idea!

Submitted by: Gary, December 2016

Canadian Red Cross Corps war service badge

1940s

As an undergraduate, artifacts of the Second World War-era Corps (like this one) first sparked my interest in the history of the Canadian Red Cross. I've been studying it -- as a student, then as a professional historian -- ever since.

Submitted by: Sarah, June 2016

Red Cross Swimming Badge – Level Orange

1989

This badge makes me smile. It's such a childhood remnant; of cold community pools in January, enthusiastic teenage swimming instructors, mind-of-their-own flutter-boards, the nostalgic scent of chlorine and feeling old enough to go to swimming class.

Submitted by: Eleni, June 2016

Vintage Red Cross First Aid Kit

1960s?

I found this first aid kit at a garage sale and thought it would be a great box to keep some tools in.

Submitted by: Colin, June 2016

Star Trek Red Cross badge

23rd century

I was watching a recent Star Trek movie and I was sure that I saw a medic wearing a Red Cross badge. After some google work, I discovered that each department on the Enterprise wears a federation badge, with some appropriate symbol in the middle.

Submitted by: Paul, June 2016

Stay Informed & Stay Connected

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