Cindy Chiu volunteers to support the Health Equipment Loans Program and the Friendly Calls Program, two vital Red Cross community health and well-being services in Alberta.
Cindy has been volunteering with the Red Cross team in Calgary for about a year now. “I was looking for a role where I could gain professional experience speaking on the phone, and using Excel and Word, to hopefully get a receptionist job,” Cindy says.
Recovery and resilience
The Health Equipment Loans Program (HELP), provides health equipment on a temporary basis to individuals recovering from illness or injury, and empowers people to live with independence and dignity. The program operates in British Columbia, Alberta, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Yukon.
“The most rewarding part about volunteering with HELP is hearing people express their gratitude for the equipment they received; how it greatly aided in their recovery or helped them continue to live independently,” explains Cindy.
Friendly calls
Cindy also makes wellness phone calls to people participating in the Friendly Calls program in Alberta, which offers phone call support and community referral assistance to HELP clients aged 55 and older.
“Most of the seniors I chat with have the everyday living support they need, but the calls can be the answer to other issues they may be facing, from isolation to technology illiteracy.”
Sharing skills, strengthening communities
Volunteers bring a wide range of valuable skills and experience to the Canadian Red Cross. Together, volunteers helped the Red Cross respond to 3,100 calls for help in 2020.
“‘Fulfilling’ is the word I would use to describe my time volunteering. Other than being a very well- organized and professionally-built organization with lots of resources not only for employees but also for volunteers, I would recommend the Red Cross for its great teams and atmosphere.”
Thank you to Walmart Canada for donating $250,000 to support the Canadian Red Cross Friendly Calls Program.
Right now, you can donate to the Canadian Red Cross domestic emergency response work at your local Walmart Canada. They will be matching in-store donations up to a maximum of $820,000. Or donate online today.