Frequently Asked Questions- Canadian Red Cross

Frequently Asked Questions

The following questions are among those most frequently asked by the public about Canadian Red Cross operations and structure. The answers here are intended as a brief, informative summary, with links to more complete references in the website. If your question is not addressed here, please send your inquiry to feedback@redcross.ca.

What is the Canadian Red Cross?
What does the Canadian Red Cross do?
Where does the Canadian Red Cross operate?
Where can I find information about first aid courses?
How can I become a first aid instructor?
Where can I find information about swimming and water safety courses?
How do I take the On Board test to receive my Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
How can I become a water safety instructor?
Where can I give blood?
Is the Canadian Red Cross part of the government or how does it relate to the Canadian government?
Where does the Canadian Red Cross get its funding?
What are the Canadian Red Cross’s annual revenues and expenses?
How are donations for appeals managed?
What is the organizational structure of the Canadian Red Cross?
Does the Canadian Red Cross send volunteers to work overseas? How can I work overseas for the Red Cross?
How can I support the Red Cross?
In a large-scale emergency, why does the Red Cross ask for money instead of donations of food, clothing or other supplies?
As a donor, how can I manage the amount of mail that I receive from the Canadian Red Cross?
Please add/remove me from your mailing list
Why do you spend money on mailing out calendars and address labels?
I have a used wheelchair (or other medical equipment). Can I donate it to the Red Cross?
What is the Canadian Red Cross’ position on war and conflict?

1. What is the Canadian Red Cross?
The Canadian Red Cross Society is a non-profit, humanitarian organization dedicated to improving the situation of the most vulnerable in Canada and throughout the world. The Canadian Red Cross is a National Society and member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement—this includes the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Federation) and the over 185 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

2. What does the Canadian Red Cross do?
Our mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world. We provide a wide range of assistance to millions of people in Canada through health services, injury prevention (such as water safety and first aid), violence and abuse prevention, and by responding to and preparing for disasters. We also help the world’s most vulnerable populations, including victims of armed conflict and communities destroyed by devastating disasters, through our international programs.

3. Where does the Canadian Red Cross operate?
The Canadian Red Cross provides programs and services to communities in all provinces and territories across Canada. Contact your local office to learn more about the programs and services in your region. The Canadian Red Cross also operates worldwide, providing support to more than 50 countries and directly managing projects in more than 20 countries.

4. Where can I find information about first aid courses?
The Canadian Red Cross offers First Aid and Injury Prevention programs for all ages—from children to adults— and for all skill and interest levels—from babysitters to first responders. Visit the First Aid section for details about these programs. The Red Cross delivers its First Aid programs through more than 2,600 authorized providers across the country. For information regarding programs and products please contact your local Red Cross Zone Office or click on the green "Find a Course" button on this page.

5. How can I become a first aid or CPR instructor?
The Canadian Red Cross First Aid Instructor Development Program trains and certifies Instructors to deliver First Aid & CPR courses. Please visit the Instructor Development Program section of our web site for program information or contact the Red Cross Zone Office in your area.

6. Where can I find information about swimming and water safety courses?
Canadian Red Cross Water Safety programs include swimming and water safety lessons for infants through to adults. Visit the Swimming & Water Safety section for details about these programs. The Canadian Red Cross delivers its water safety programs through a network of almost 3,800 pool and waterfront authorized providers and partners. To register for training, contact your local Red Cross Zone Office or click on the green "Find a Course" button on this page.

7. How do I take the On Board test to receive my Pleasure Craft Operator Card?
Canadian Red Cross participation in the Pleasure Craft Operator Card program ended December 31, 2008. The Canadian Red Cross remains committed to the safety of Canadian boaters. We have determined that our resources will be more effectively allocated elsewhere under our expanding injury prevention mandate to reach those who participate in boating activities. As of December 31, 2008, the Canadian Red Cross On Board program will no longer issue new PCO Cards. For information on how to obtain your PCO card or to inquire about a replacement card, please visit the Boating Safety section of our website.

8. How can I become a water safety instructor?
The Canadian Red Cross Instructor Development Program trains and certifies instructors to teach and deliver the Swimming and Water Safety programs and promotes volunteer involvement within the Canadian Red Cross. Visit the Instructor Development Program section of our web site for more information. To register for training click on the green "Find a Course" button on this page.

9. Where can I give blood?
Canadian Red Cross does not conduct operations for blood donations. For information about giving blood, contact Canadian Blood Services at 1 888 2 DONATE or at www.bloodservices.ca. In Quebec, contact Héma-Québec at 1-800-847-2525 or www.hema-quebec.qc.ca.

10. Is the Canadian Red Cross part of the government or how does it relate to the Canadian government?
The Canadian Red Cross is an independent charity and not part of the Canadian government. The Canadian Red Cross supports federal, provincial and municipal governments by providing many services to the general public, including responding to and preparing for disasters, health services, injury prevention, and violence and abuse prevention.

The Red Cross also serves as an advisor and partner to the federal government by addressing current and emerging issues in global affairs that have an impact on humanitarian work—for example, international humanitarian law (IHL).

In 2008, the Canadian Red Cross completed a wide-ranging public consultation process to explore the status and future of the Canadian Red Cross’ role as auxiliary to government in the humanitarian field. Learn more»

11. Where does the Canadian Red Cross get its funding?
The Canadian Red Cross relies on public donations, corporate partnerships, public grants and program revenue. In times of disaster or conflict, the Red Cross may launch an appeal for cash donations to support relief work in that area. We also accept donations to support our on-going national and international programs. More detailed information about the Canadian Red Cross’s revenues and expenses is available in our latest Annual Report.

12. What are the Canadian Red Cross’s annual revenues and expenses?
For the financial year ended March 31, 2009, the Canadian Red Cross had total revenues of $418 million and expenses of $411 million. The Society’s financial summary is included in the Annual Report.

13. How are donations for appeals managed?
When disasters strike or crises develop in Canada or around the world, the Red Cross may appeal for funds in order to provide humanitarian relief. The Red Cross determines the needs of the affected population and the type of assistance that is required, based on guidelines and assessments of the immediate, short and long-term assistance required.

Donations are held within a fund and safeguarded until disbursed for the purposes for which they were donated. We work to ensure that as much of your financial gift as possible goes directly to help those impacted by disaster. There is always some administrative cost because we have some fixed costs for the personnel and other resources needed to securely process donations, issue tax receipts and report completely and openly on our activities to donors, government, the media and the public.

Funds that are not required for immediate use are invested in a manner that is consistent with the statement of investment policies approved by the National Audit and Finance Committee of the Society. All funds are accounted for in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in Canada. The Society’s financial summary is included in the Annual Report.

14. What is the organizational structure of the Canadian Red Cross?
The Canadian Red Cross Society operates across Canada and internationally, supported by over 26,000 volunteers and 6,400 employees. The Society is organized geographically into Atlantic Zone, Quebec Zone, Ontario Zone, Western Zone and International Operations. Within each zone there are regions and branches – 295 branches across Canada.

On the governance side, the Board of Governors is composed entirely of volunteers and is headed by the Society’s President. They establish national policy, monitor performance and recommend strategic directions to the General Assembly. Governance is cascaded throughout the organization with zone, regional and branch councils, which ensures the unique needs of each community is reflected in the services offered across the country.

On the management side, the Secretary General and CEO establishes national goals and strategies for the Society, supported by national directors and zone director generals.

15. Does the Canadian Red Cross send volunteers to work overseas? How can I work overseas for the Red Cross?
The Canadian Red Cross does not send volunteers overseas. Specially trained personnel or delegates are hired to work in areas of conflict or disasters or on longer-term development projects.

To become a delegate, apply to Canadian Red Cross Overseas Personnel. Potential candidates will be evaluated as part of a selection process. Candidates who are retained must successfully complete our seven-day International Mobilization and Preparation for ACTion (IMPACT) course. Limited numbers of candidates from across the country are chosen to participate in this training session.

16. How can I support the Red Cross?
Canadians can support our humanitarian mission by making a donation to support our ongoing operations and emergency relief work; by making a legacy gift; and by volunteering with your local Red Cross office.

17. In a large-scale emergency, why does the Red Cross ask for money instead of donations of food, clothing or other supplies?
Over a century of experience has proven that the best way to support Canadian Red Cross disaster responses in Canada or around the world is through a financial donation. This gives us maximum flexibility to obtain exactly what relief materials we need, when and where we need them. We do not accept donations from individuals of items like food, clothing or toys because there are tremendous transportation costs involved in shipping these items. Local purchases of food and clothing are more culturally appropriate and effective. Click here to donate now. If you are interested in volunteering with the Red Cross, please visit our volunteering page.

18. As a donor, how can I manage the amount of mail that I receive from the Canadian Red Cross?
Donor mail is a successful part of the Canadian Red Cross direct marketing program. However, as a donor you can control the volume and frequency of publications you receive. If you wish to tailor your receipt of Red Cross mail, please contact your local Red Cross office.

19. Please add/remove me from your mailing list
Please send us an email at feedback@redcross.ca. Please include your full address so that we can ensure we add or remove your name correctly.

20. Why do you spend money on mailing out calendars and address labels?
Some of the provincial Red Cross offices choose to send items like calendars and labels because many donors look forward to these extras each year. If you no long wish to receive these items, please email us at feedback@redcross.ca and please be sure to include your complete address.

21. I have a used wheelchair (or other medical equipment). Can I donate it to the Red Cross?
Many of the Red Cross offices accept in-kind donations of equipment that is in good condition and could be used by our clients. Please visit the Healthcare Equipment Loan Program webpage and contact location most convenient for you.

22. What is the Canadian Red Cross’ position on war and conflict?
The Red Cross refrains from commenting on the arguments for or against a conflict. The Red Cross’ concerns are from a humanitarian viewpoint, in line with our mandate under international humanitarian law (IHL) and guided by the seven Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross Movement. The Principle of Neutrality states that in order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.

Our concern is for the serious consequences that war and internal conflict have on the population. Our mandate in conflict situations is to prevent human suffering, to protect the lives of civilians and to promote respect for IHL—a set of rules that seek, for humanitarian reasons, to limit the effects of armed conflict, protect persons who are not participating in the hostilities and restrict the means and methods of warfare.

Definitions

International Disaster Relief Fund
The International Disaster Relief Fund (IDRF) allows us to respond within hours of an emergency, well before any money has been received from supporters. It also allows us to implement disaster preparedness programs to create stronger and more resilient communities.

Disasters continue to occur and our International Disaster Relief Fund is quickly becoming depleted. This fund provides an essential lifeline to people when they need our help most. Learn more»

Canadian Disaster Relief Fund
Every year the lives of thousands of Canadians are disrupted because of disasters—from large-scale floods that affect entire regions to single house fires. Some disasters capture enormous amounts of attention and support from the public and media, while others go largely unnoticed.

The Canadian Disaster Relief Fund allows the Red Cross to respond to those less-publicized disasters that do not receive the level of support we see with large disasters. It also allows the Canadian Red Cross to respond to all disasters, big or small, with immediate, essential relief for those who need it most: food, clothing, shelter and helping families locate loved ones.

For example, when severe flooding struck Manitoba, in the spring of 2009, the Canadian Red Cross was able to immediately provide registration and inquiry services as well as reception centre services to those who had been evacuated. And when fires forced thousands of British Columbia residents from their homes later that same year, the Canadian Red Cross was able to immediately send a disaster relief team to the affected communities.

The Canadian Disaster Relief Fund ensures that the Red Cross is always ready to respond in Canada—anywhere, anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Definitions

Updated: May 6, 2010