(WINNIPEG, Sept. 23, 2019) – Members of the public are invited out to the University of Winnipeg today to learn more about what the Red Cross does during a disaster response evacuation.
The Canadian Red Cross is putting on a demonstration of how it operates during a disaster, including a mock shelter, and simulated reception and emergency operations centres. Staff and volunteers are on-hand to answer questions about working in a response. Some key partners who support the Red Cross during disasters will also be at the demonstration. The simulation scenario is based on the 2018 wildfire evacuations of Little Grand Rapids First Nation and Pauingassi First Nation communities.
“The simulation provides the chance to see how the Canadian Red Cross supported previous disasters and the opportunity to learn how we can all support future responses. This will give people an incredible opportunity to see how they can be a part of something larger by volunteering with the Canadian Red Cross,” said Shawn Feely, vice president of the Canadian Red Cross Manitoba and Nunavut. “We are grateful for our numerous partners who are helping us put on this event, including The University of Winnipeg and Little Grand Rapids First Nation.”
The University of Winnipeg is hosting the event at Axworthy Health and RecPlex. An ongoing supporter of the Canadian Red Cross, The University of Winnipeg hosted the reception centre for evacuees during the 2018 wildfires.
“We are delighted to partner with the Canadian Red Cross,” said The University of Winnipeg's President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Annette Trimbee. “The work they do not only in Canada, but across the world, is extremely important, and we are proud to be a supporter and to also have many UWinnipeg alumni and students volunteering and working within the Red Cross in a number of capacities.”
Visitors are invited to learn more about the Red Cross and to determine which volunteer role they are best suited. To find out more about volunteering with the Canadian Red Cross team in Manitoba, people can call 1-844-818-2155 or email
volunteer@redcross.ca.
The event is open to the public between noon and 4 p.m. today.