The Canadian Red Cross is one of Canada's leading non-profit organizations, lending a helping hand to those in need at home and around the world. With the support of its staff members and dedicated volunteers, the Canadian Red Cross is uniquely equipped to handle a range of emergencies and disasters. In Canada, Red Cross volunteers are trained to support natural disaster relief efforts, youth education initiatives, domestic violence prevention campaigns, water safety programs and first aid and CPR training courses.
Additionally, the Canadian Red Cross works to provide assistance during a variety of international situations. Canadian Red Cross volunteers and staff members are prepared to address mass migrations, famine, regional conflicts, world health crises and drought. The Canadian Red Cross also works to reunite family members who may have become separated in the wake of such events.
Canadian Red Cross responds to flooding in Alberta
When disasters strike in Canada, the Canadian Red Cross is one of the first relief organizations on the scene. This was recently the case in the final weeks of June, when intense rainfall lead to widespread flooding throughout the province of Alberta. Communities across southern Alberta were overwhelmed by rushing flood waters, which caused utility interruptions, destroyed vast amounts of property and forced many families from their homes. After the rains had stopped, the damage indicated that this was one of the biggest floods the residents of Alberta have ever faced.
Understanding the gravity of the situation in Alberta, the Canadian Red Cross immediately sprang into action to support families and communities in the region. Hundreds of volunteers have been working around the clock to restore Alberta and help families get their lives back on track.
Canadian Red Cross flood relief programs have included operating several shelters across the province, distributing food and basic supplies to those in need, counseling individuals on long-term recovery plans and supporting local food banks and social service agencies. Additionally, Red Cross volunteers have been working to reunite family members who were separated during the evacuation process.
"The road to recovery is long and sometimes extremely tough," said John Byrne, Canadian Red Cross Disaster Management Director General. "As the waters recede, Red Cross is committed to being here to help people recover – whatever their needs, and however long it takes."
Red Cross volunteers on the ground
While there remains plenty of work to be done in Alberta, the Canadian Red Cross' efforts have made a big difference in the overall recovery. Within the first week of operations, the Red Cross and its partners were able to raise more than $10.2 million in funding, $3.5 million of which immediately went to helping affected neighbourhoods and communities. However, it's likely that a full recovery will take several years.
Some of the earliest responders to the flooding in southern Alberta were Brent van Leeuwen, Sarah Flynn, Ernie Eves and Brenna Brown. Arriving in Calgary from the Edmonton Red Cross office, these volunteers joined other Red Cross supporters to assist people throughout the city. They helped out by working in relief shelters, distributing blankets, cots, and food, and speaking with Alberta evacuees.
"I'm passionate about the work I do with the Red Cross and it's nice to be able to help members of the community who are in need," Brenna said. "I love seeing the power of humanity in action."
The Canadian Red Cross relies on the support of people like you to make a positive change in the world. Please donate to the Red Cross today to show your support of its ongoing efforts in Canada.