Every year, National Volunteer Week is a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of volunteers who dedicate their time, energy, and compassion in support of their communities.
Behind every Red Cross program, service, and response is a team of volunteers making it possible.
Whether that’s checking in on someone who is experiencing loneliness through the Friendly Calls program or supporting people who have been impacted by an emergency or disaster, our volunteers show up with compassion, dedication, and empathy.
While the work of our volunteers varies and looks different each day, the common theme remains the same - being there for someone else when it matters most.
Sandi has been volunteering with the Red Cross since 2009. As part of the emergency management team in Nova Scotia, she supports people who are navigating emergencies, disasters, and often some of the most difficult times in their lives.
Photo: Sandi Lee / Canadian Red Cross
As a team lead of a group of emergency management volunteers, Sandi guides other volunteers as they step into this work, empowering them with knowledge from her years of experience.
For Sandi, the desire to volunteer stems from her willingness to help others and lead by example. “One of the reasons why I started volunteering was because I wanted to be a mom who could show her children that it's such a great way to give back and be a part of the community,” says Sandi.
Over the years, she’s helped countless individuals and households in moments of crisis, offering practical support, reassurance, and care. Her role often begins with listening and understanding what people have been through, what they need, and how the Red Cross can help.
“It feels good knowing that I could be that person to be there, to help people during the most difficult times. It's the most rewarding feeling ever.”
Photo: Sandi Lee / Canadian Red Cross
Sandi remembers working alongside a team leader whose patience and compassion left a lasting impression. She remembers how patient, caring, and nurturing her team leader, Lisa was.
Sandi brings that same approach to her own team. “That's the type of duty of care I want to pass on to the other volunteers, just showing them what they need to do and try to emulate everything that Lisa had taught me,” says Sandi.
Sandi continues to volunteer with the Red Cross year after year, explaining that it’s the people at the Red Cross, the connections she’s made, and the impact this type of work has on communities.
She’s not alone with this sentiment. Across Canada, volunteers from all walks of life show up in various ways to support their communities. They remind us that making a difference doesn’t require special experience or expertise, just a willingness to show compassion and step forward to make a difference.
Photo: Thaïs Martín Navas / Canadian Red Cross
This National Volunteer Week, we celebrate every person who chooses to show up, for their communities, their neighbours, and even people they may never meet again.
To all Red Cross volunteers: Thank you for showing up, caring deeply, and making a difference every day.
If you’re interested in learning more about how you can support your community with the Red Cross, visit: Volunteer | Canadian Red Cross.
Behind every Red Cross program, service, and response is a team of volunteers making it possible.
Whether that’s checking in on someone who is experiencing loneliness through the Friendly Calls program or supporting people who have been impacted by an emergency or disaster, our volunteers show up with compassion, dedication, and empathy.
While the work of our volunteers varies and looks different each day, the common theme remains the same - being there for someone else when it matters most.
Meet Sandi, a Long-time Disaster Response Volunteer Making a Difference in her Community
Sandi has been volunteering with the Red Cross since 2009. As part of the emergency management team in Nova Scotia, she supports people who are navigating emergencies, disasters, and often some of the most difficult times in their lives.Photo: Sandi Lee / Canadian Red Cross
As a team lead of a group of emergency management volunteers, Sandi guides other volunteers as they step into this work, empowering them with knowledge from her years of experience.
For Sandi, the desire to volunteer stems from her willingness to help others and lead by example. “One of the reasons why I started volunteering was because I wanted to be a mom who could show her children that it's such a great way to give back and be a part of the community,” says Sandi.
Over the years, she’s helped countless individuals and households in moments of crisis, offering practical support, reassurance, and care. Her role often begins with listening and understanding what people have been through, what they need, and how the Red Cross can help.
“It feels good knowing that I could be that person to be there, to help people during the most difficult times. It's the most rewarding feeling ever.”
Photo: Sandi Lee / Canadian Red Cross
Sandi remembers working alongside a team leader whose patience and compassion left a lasting impression. She remembers how patient, caring, and nurturing her team leader, Lisa was.
Sandi brings that same approach to her own team. “That's the type of duty of care I want to pass on to the other volunteers, just showing them what they need to do and try to emulate everything that Lisa had taught me,” says Sandi.
Why Volunteering Matters
Sandi continues to volunteer with the Red Cross year after year, explaining that it’s the people at the Red Cross, the connections she’s made, and the impact this type of work has on communities. She’s not alone with this sentiment. Across Canada, volunteers from all walks of life show up in various ways to support their communities. They remind us that making a difference doesn’t require special experience or expertise, just a willingness to show compassion and step forward to make a difference.
Photo: Thaïs Martín Navas / Canadian Red Cross
Thank You to All Volunteers
This National Volunteer Week, we celebrate every person who chooses to show up, for their communities, their neighbours, and even people they may never meet again.To all Red Cross volunteers: Thank you for showing up, caring deeply, and making a difference every day.
If you’re interested in learning more about how you can support your community with the Red Cross, visit: Volunteer | Canadian Red Cross.
