There’s a good chance that when you think of the Canadian Red Cross, ground-breaking technology isn’t what first comes to mind. Most likely, you’d think of disaster response, humanitarian work, and first aid training; but, now, a new initiative by the Red Cross will make it a key player in the technology industry, when it comes to innovation, software development and data management.
The Canadian Red Cross Technology team is developing technological products that will best support the Red Cross in its critical work across emergency operations, health care services, and fundraising. This unprecedented suite of software will enhance the Red Cross’s work with vulnerable people, particularly in times of crisis.
Bachir Halimi has been recruited in the role of Chief Technology Officer to lead this team as they build a powerful cloud computing platform that will integrate the most innovative technologies, including Artificial Intelligence and Internet of things (IoT) into Red Cross programs and initiatives. Halimi has a long history of building technology start-ups from the ground up.
“I am thrilled to contribute my skills and expertise that I’ve spent a lifetime building, to this organization that means so much to me and to so many other Canadians. We’re excited to contribute to the Red Cross and its work to help people in communities when they need it most.”
Bachir has spent close to 40 years finding solutions to technological challenges by building programs and system tools while working with global giants including Microsoft, Intel, and Bell as investors in his projects. Alongside these decades of development in the tech industry, Bachir has also dedicated his time to work with the Red Cross. He’s already made his mark with the organization as a volunteer, board member, and chairman of its Technology Advisory Committee.
Bachir and his technology team will have its main headquarters in Montreal and will collaborate with Red Cross program leads to identify their needs and develop a system that is accessible and scalable to meet internal requirements but will also reflect the need to connect with external partners and stakeholders.
The robust technology will not only allow the Red Cross to meet the changing and growing needs of key programs, but it will further enhance these services while working hand-in-hand with provincial and municipal governments.
“I’ve spent my career pursuing technology for profit,” says Halimi, “and now this work allows me to pursue technology for a
purpose.”