*This week is National Volunteer Week, a time for the Canadian Red Cross to recognize our dedicated volunteers who donate their time and talents from coast to coast . Over the course of the week we will use this blog to share stories about our volunteers and the amazing work they do --a small sample of the outstanding individuals across the country.
Dave Arsenault and Shane Milmore volunteer with the Emergency Response Team (ERT) of the Canadian Red Cross in the Halifax area. They supervise the Logistics team that is responsible for loading the Red Cross trailer and driving the emergency response vehicle to deliver emergency supplies such as cots and blankets during a disaster.
Last week, Dave and Shane brought the Red Cross emergency vehicle to a local church that was serving as a resting spot for volunteers with Halifax Regional Ground Search & Rescue and others who had spent days combing the area in the hopes of locating a man who had gone missing in Sambro, Nova Scotia. While not a typical response, the Red Cross answered the call for assistance.
Dave and Shane were getting ready to set up cots and see how they could support search-and-rescue efforts when they discovered some Cub Scouts were also in the church for their regular Wednesday night meeting. Needless to say, the Scout leaders were facing quite a challenge. How could they hold their meeting in the midst of all this activity? But Dave and Shane were more than happy to take some time to give the kids a tour of the Red Cross vehicle and show them all the bells and whistles. The Cub Scouts were clearly impressed and even offered to help set up the cots!
Shane and Dave show the Canadian Red Cross emergency vehicle to Cub Scouts
“We know their meeting was being disrupted but it turned out really well in the end. The kids had a good time and it was nice to be able to give back in a different way,” says Dave Arsenault who evidently enjoyed his experience with the youngsters.
Contact your local Canadian Red Cross office to find out more about volunteer opportunities in disaster management or other programs offered in your community.