Organization Information

Our History

“The Canadian Red Cross Society” was first established through an Act of Parliament in 1909 as an outgrowth of its humanitarian work through its affiliation with the British Red Cross, in particular its auxiliary role in support of the Canadian Government’s obligations under the Geneva Conventions.

After its creation, the Canadian Red Cross continued its work through the First World War, the interwar years, and the Second World War. More recently the call to action for the Canadian Red Cross has been responding to the increasing severity and frequency of emergencies and supporting the health of Canadians.

A group of Canadian Red Cross volunteers dressed in nursing attire pose in front of a welcome sign. The photo is from approximately 1920 and it sepia in tone.

 

Our Corporate  Structure

The Canadian Red Cross Society is a singular, not-for-profit corporation incorporated under the laws of Canada and a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency (registration number: 119219814 RR 0001).

Our charitable purpose is to prevent and alleviate suffering in accordance with the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. In keeping with this purpose our mission is to help people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and support them in strengthening their resilience.

Full Legal Name: THE CANADIAN RED CROSS SOCIETY LA SOCIÉTÉ CANADIENNE DE LA CROIX-ROUGE

CRA Registration Number as a Registered Charity: 119219814 RR 0001

National Office Contact Information:
The Canadian Red Cross Society
National office
400 Cooper Street, Suite 8000,
Ottawa, Ontario
K2P 2H8
Tel: (613) 740-1900
Fax: (613) 740-1911

Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ​Closed from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday: Closed

Four Canadian Red Cross volunteers wearing red vests over top of their winter coats climb a mountain of snow. All of them are wearing medical face masks.
Canadian Red Cross and partners providing support on Mathias Columb Cree Nation during COVID-19 outbreak March 13-19, 2021.