Guest post by Red Cross volunteer Mike Obendoerfer
For the past 26 years, Phyllis Wiscombe of Arnes, Manitoba, has given her time to help people affected by disasters, train future disaster responders and improve Red Cross capacity to help people in need. For her outstanding contributions to the movement, Wiscombe recently received the Order of the Red Cross, the highest honour the Canadian Red Cross can give a volunteer.
Wiscombe received the Order of the Red Cross at the Canadian Red Cross Manitoba Volunteer Awards Ceremony on November 9th. Sara John Fowler, chair of the Canadian Red Cross Board of Directors, flew in from British Columbia to take part in the ceremony.
“In recognition of her years of service, adherence to the fundamental principles of the society and the extraordinary contribution she has made to our humanitarian work, and in appreciation of her ongoing commitment to the community, the Canadian Red Cross Society takes great pleasure in welcoming Phyllis Wiscombe to the Order of the Red Cross, member level,” said Fowler during the event.
Upon accepting the medal from Fowler, Wiscombe noted that she first became involved with the Red Cross as a child.
“I never thought that as an adult that I would still be involved in the Red Cross and doing the work that I do,” said Wiscombe. “And I have to tell you that I enjoy every minute of it. The main reason is because of people like all of you here tonight. We are a part of the largest humanitarian organization in the world. Is there anywhere else you’d like to be? Not me.”
Over her time with the Red Cross, Wiscombe has repeatedly answered the call when disaster has struck. When she lived in Thompson, she responded to numerous forest fires and floods, and went on to help coordinate Disaster Management training and response in northern Manitoba.
In the summer of 2014, Wiscombe helped lead the response to the devastating flooding in Brandon. She continues to help people affected by disaster by facilitating Disaster Management training in Manitoba.
With her dedication and ability, Wiscombe has contributed to the Red Cross movement in important leadership roles. She served as president and vice-president of the Manitoba Regional Council, member of the Western Zone Council and Manitoba representative on the Western Zone Volunteer Resources Committee. She has also chaired the Manitoba Regional Awards Committee.
Now, Wiscombe has taken on a new role at the Red Cross, coordinating all the Volunteer Resources Management courses, including registration, monitoring online prerequisites, travel coordination, expenses and course evaluations.
While her work can be challenging, the Red Cross movement is an important part of Wiscombe’s life and she remains dedicated to helping people in need.
“I do it because I love it,” she said. “I love to do it. I love the Red Cross and I love what it stands for.”
The Canadian Red Cross thanks Wiscombe for her amazing service and hopes she continues to inspire a growing group of dedicated volunteers in Manitoba.