Volunteers are the foundation of the Red Cross and one extraordinary woman has gone above and beyond to help out a local service in the community. Diana Barazza has been consistently volunteering with the Red Cross (former) Medical Equipment Loan Service (MELS) depot in Burnaby for over 15 years. The depot, despite many challenges in volunteer shortages, has continued to serve the community because of her dedication to helping others.
“It means a lot to me to be able to give back to the community. I find it very rewarding and satisfying at the depot, especially helping elderly people that come in needing equipment,” says Barazza.
Barazza began her experience at the Red Cross by hearing about a volunteer opportunity through a friend and has not stepped back since then in helping out those that need it. Her duties have evolved over the past decade and today she is the treasurer at the depot, in addition to helping clients with the appropriate equipment and also training new volunteers. However, her most cherished role as a volunteer at the depot is serving as the compassionate and patient friend to those that have a story to tell.
“Clients often come in needing equipment but truly appreciate myself and other volunteers who listen to what they have to say.”
Barazza’s dedication to her community and to the Canadian Red Cross has been recognized. She was presented with her fifteen year milestone award in 2005 and has accepted four notable certificates including the Citation Award of Red Cross, which recognizes exceptional service from a volunteer that has consistently demonstrated initiative, resourcefulness and commitment to the fundamental principles of the Red Cross.
“Diana is an amazing volunteer and has been so dedicated to clients and to Red Cross,” says Diane Prentice, coordinator of MELS. “We need others like Diana who can support this service that provides equipment for those recovering from injury or illness.”
