As I write this on a frigid winter’s day in Ottawa, it’s easy as a Canadian to relate to the cold in Ukraine, where winter conditions are made far more dangerous by years of conflict. 

As a cold wave descends on Montreal this weekend, the city is opening emergency shelter resources for people experiencing homelessness. The Red Cross was called upon to contribute — and answered the call.

James Spooner is a Canadian Red Cross Information Technology & Telecommunications (ITT) expert with more than 35 years of experience. He was most recently in Jamaica, supporting the Hurricane Melissa response.

There is something incredible about a group of humanitarians coming together for a common cause. Not only do we learn the needs and the work being done, but we see how to create greater impact as a humanitarian community, and show solidarity for staff and volunteers working tirelessly to reduce suffering.

Staying prepared shouldn’t be complicated. A Medical Emergency Information (MEI) tag is a no-tech, no-fail tool that stores your critical health details and emergency contacts directly on your personal gear. It’s designed to help first responders and loved ones act quickly—even when you can’t speak for yourself.

Being prepared can make a tremendous difference in an emergency. A Medical Emergency Information tag is a simple yet effective tool. It enables emergency professionals to make quick, informed decisions—which can help save lives. 

In Jamaica, Cuba, and across the central Caribbean, Hurricane Melissa’s torrential rains triggered flash floods and landslides, threatening lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure, such as schools and health centres.

In the small town of Kiskőrös in southern Hungary, about 120 kilometres south of Budapest, Lana and her eight-year-old daughter Anastasia, who lives with Down syndrome, found a new sense of belonging after fleeing their home in Kharkiv due to the violence of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.