As one of the most active non-profit organizations in the country, the Canadian Red Cross works to empower people who are impacted by emergencies and disasters, as well as help them overcome violence and abuse in personal situations.
Certain areas of Canada struggle to reduce the incidents of abuse and to manage disasters when they occur. However, with help from the Canadian Red Cross through the Strength and Spirit Campaign, people in places like Moose Cree, Ontario, have gained invaluable resources.
In the fall of 2012, the Red Cross opened a satellite office to better service the needs of people living in this First Nation community and to deliver educational tips about disaster management and preventing violence and abuse. The Canadian Red Cross' branch office, which is located in Timmins, will serve as the host branch to the Moose Cree First Nation office.
Strength and Spirit Campaign
Offered in Ontario, the Strength and Spirit Campaign represents the Canadian Red Cross' commitment to improving conditions for First Nation communities in the country.
Through introducing projects and events into First Nation communities that are innovative and engage youth and others to get involved, the Canadian Red Cross hopes to enhance the quality of life for individuals in First Nation Communities.
Emergency preparedness in First Nation communities
Individuals who live in First Nation communities in Canada may encounter a range of emergencies, which is why it's essential that people take steps in advance to overcome these potential challenges.
The Canadian Red Cross urges families to make an emergency preparedness plan, which includes calculating the risks in an area beforehand, making a plan for safely keeping loved ones out of harm's way and assembling an emergency preparedness kit, which should include all of the items you may need to mitigate the challenges that follow for up to 72 hours after a disaster or incident.
Elders should make similar plans before an emergency, but those who may be living with conditions like Type 2 diabetes should understand how essential it is to prepare a grab bag filled with essential medical supplies like glucometer, test strips, insulin pens, medication, sugar packets or other items that can treat low blood sugar and diabetes medication.
How you can help
From emergencies and disasters to other incidents like violence and abuse, the Canadian Red Cross works to give people the tools to meet each new challenge with personal and interpersonal skills that help build resiliency and strength.
The Canadian Red Cross depends on the support of generous Canadians like you to continue its humanitarian mission abroad and in the country. To donate, please visit us online or head to your local Red Cross office today.
Each contribution that you make to the Canadian Red Cross can help individuals in need gain the resources to overcome adversity and gain skills that help them prevent emergencies and disasters from happening.