As one of Canada's most active non-profit organizations, the Canadian Red Cross, along with its dedicated volunteers and staff members, is committed to making a positive change in Canada and in countries throughout the world.
The Canadian Red Cross provides a variety of programs and services to Canadians, including emergency response, youth education initiatives, violence and abuse prevention and awareness, water safety guidance and first aid and CPR training.
In addition to its work in Canada, the Canadian Red Cross provides much-needed relief to communities around the world. This includes humanitarian assistance in the aftermath of natural disasters, drought, famine, mass migrations, conflict and world health crises.
Red Cross volunteers tackle climate change
Climate change has become a serious environmental issue that is affecting the planet. With weather patterns and temperatures changing in unexpected ways, the Red Cross is working to encourage eco-friendly practices and green education to combat the negative effects of climate change.
Red Cross youth volunteers are concerned with this environmental issue and are in hope of creating a better tomorrow. The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) has been encouraging youth to speak and act about their interests in preserving the environment.
Red Cross youth volunteer programs that are designed to address climate change are occurring all around the world. Nearly 400 Red Crescent volunteers gathered in Syria in March 2010 to plant trees in sparsely forested northeastern regions of the country. This community initiative helps bring new life back to parts of Syria while also emphasizing green public practices.
In Australia, where temperatures are reaching record highs, youth volunteers with the Red Cross have organized efforts to deal with the nation's extreme heat waves and droughts. The Australian Red Cross approved a Climate Change Adaptation Framework program, which stemmed from the South Australian Youth Advisory Committee's work that deals with the widespread consequences of climate change in the nation.
In the Solomon Islands, local youths have also been contributing to international climate change awareness and action efforts. The Solomon Islands Red Cross has engaged youth volunteers as part of a national youth forum and climate change program. These initiatives have encouraged important discussions, debate and training within Solomon Islands communities that are geared toward improving eco-friendly practices in the region.
The efforts of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies around the world depend on contributions from generous citizens like you. Please donate today to help support the Canadian Red Cross' numerous international operations.