Latest Posts

Three months after the Venezuela earthquakes: The road to recovery

Primary healthcare services in the Venezuelan Red Cross field hospital in La Guaira. Photo: Venezuelan Red Cross

On June 24, 2026, two of the strongest earthquakes this century struck Venezuela. Three months later, daily life remains unsettled for many families. More than nine million people were affected, thousands of people are still displaced, and damaged homes, hospitals, roads and water systems continue to affect how people access essential services.

Castlegar, BC volunteer Deborah Lynn Chmara receives Order of Red Cross at the Officer level

Deborah Chmara has received the Order of Red Cross at the Officer level.

A long-time resident of Castlegar, a community in British Columbia’s West Kootenay region, Deborah was awarded the Order of Red Cross at the Officer level last summer. She previously received the Order of Red Cross, Member, in 2019. It’s the organization’s highest honour, recognizing her decades of exceptional humanitarian service. 

Wildfire evacuee continues serving her community

Canadian Red Cross volunteer, Janis Brown, pictured outdoors wearing a red vest. Photo: Angela Hill / Canadian Red Cross

For more than 10 years, Canadian Red Cross volunteer Janis Brown has been there to support Canadians impacted by wildfires, floods, hurricanes, and public health emergencies; this summer, she was one of the people affected by wildfires in British Columbia.

Denis Desilets was there for others during hard times

A headshot of Denis Desilets Photo: Thibault Carron

July 2013. Lac-Mégantic. A train derailment followed by explosions, that claimed 47 lives devastated the town of Lac-Mégantic, and forever changed the community. Volunteer Denis Desilets was on site to help the Canadian Red Cross during one of the darkest moments in Quebec’s recent history. 

Why Humanitarian Education Matters More Than Ever

Two people carry supplies from the Syrian Arab Red Crescent through a village. Photo: Syrian Arab Red Crescent

As conflicts around the world continue to be covered in news and shared across social media feeds, young people in Canada are asking difficult questions about war, displacement, and humanitarian crises. Increasingly, educators are being asked to help students navigate these conversations — often without enough tools or support.

Before the Floodwaters: The People Behind Emergency Preparedness

A Red Cross volunteer tying a sandbag. Photo: Adam Tadros / Canadian Red Cross

When most people think about emergency response, they picture the moment disaster strikes. The rising water. The evacuation order. The dramatic images on the evening news. But preparedness can look very different.

In Jasper, Interim Housing Supports a Community in Recovery

A housing site during sunset in Jasper, Alberta. Photo: Stéphanie Picard / Canadian Red Cross

When wildfires forced the evacuation of thousands of people from Jasper in July 2024, many residents left not knowing when they would return, or what would be waiting for them when they did.

Wildfire Recovery Update: Two Years After the 2024 Alberta Wildfires

Two people stand together for a photo in front of a construction site. Photo: Angela Hill / Canadian Red Cross

Nearly two years after a massive wildfire led to the evacuation of the town of Jasper, Alberta, recovery is well underway and the community continues to grow closer. 

About The Blog

The purpose of this blog, quite simply, is to talk. This blog is an opportunity for Red Cross staff, volunteers, supporters and friends to share stories about what is happening in your community and the important work you are doing. It is a tool that will help keep all of us connected.

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