Refugee crisis: How and why we’re helping

Here are some of the ways we’re helping respond to the refugee crisis and why it’s part of our mission to help protect humanity in times of crisis.  

How we help

In the countries directly affected by this refugee crisis, Red Cross and Red Crescent societies have been providing assistance such as food, shelter, medical treatment, as well as psychosocial and financial support. They have been relying on their network of local Red Cross volunteers to directly help people in need.

The Canadian Red Cross is able to help 
address the needs of refugees and migrants due to the generous support of donors.

This includes providing direct support to the German Red Cross with relief items and aid workers. Funds raised by the Canadian Red Cross also help support emergency operations in other countries.

In Canada and around the world, the Red Cross Restoring Family Links program helps people re-establish contact with immediate family members after separation as a result of a disaster or conflict.

During this current refugee crisis, this program continues to give hope to families amidst the chaos.

Canadians can donate to support the humanitarian response to the migrant and refugee crisis. 

Why we help

The Canadian Red Cross mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world, and is part of the largest humanitarian network in the world, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

The Red Cross Red Crescent Movement operates on seven fundamental principles, including humanity, which endeavours to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found.

Another principle is impartiality. This means we help people no matter who they are, giving priority to those in most urgent need.

These principles are 50 years old next month and are still used to guide our work around the world.

The following infographic (click here for PDF version, dated September 16, 2015) illustrates the scope of the crisis and its impact.

 

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