This past week, the Canadian Red Cross has been responding to floods in New Brunswick. We have been watching closely, and sharing some stories with you.
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I’m in. Whatever you need.”
That was the reaction of Red Cross disaster management volunteer, Robin Achen-Waugh when she heard help was needed to respond to floods in New Brunswick last week.
It was only last Monday, when the third-year University of New Brunswick psychology student wrote her last exam for the semester. Two days later, she received a message that Red Cross was looking for volunteers to help.
Most students following a busy semester would want to party with their friends, work a few extra hours to make some extra cash, or at least sleep, but not Robin. After receiving the message, she immediately went home to pack, and a few hours later left to help open a reception centre.
Robin has been working in St. George, an hour away from where she lives in Saint John, NB. Heavy rains have caused floods in the area, washing out roads, cutting off some communities from one another, and leaving some homes completely destroyed. She has had some long days starting at 7 a.m and ending at 7 p.m. Since being in the community, she has heard sad stories about the devastation caused by floods. She has also witnessed neighbours reaching out and helping each other during a time of crisis.
This isn’t the first disaster response for the 30 year-old. During the past four years as a volunteer, she has responded to several house fires, and also assisted during the 2008 New Brunswick floods. What motivates her to do her volunteer work with Red Cross?
“It’s kind of selfish, but I get such a good feeling,” she said. “The payback is every person who thanks you and the friends you make.”
Thanks Robin for all the work you do!