In case you didn’t know, Halloween is a big deal, especially when you are four years old.
My son is at that age where you have more costume ideas than time. Or resources. Or your parent’s money.
 
While I navigate negotiating costume expectations vs reality; my wife and I also have to ensure we have a Halloween outing that is fun; (hopefully) memorable; and safe.
 
When it comes to safety and Halloween, some things are obvious but we often miss other aspects as we stockpile our candy in September.

Three years ago, I encountered my first winter in Canada and to this day I still remember the very first snowflake that fell on my hand. It was magical. 

However, my fascination quickly turned into horror as I found myself walking through 20 cm deep snow embraced by the minus 30°C temperature. This is how my home city, Winnipeg, jolted me into the realities of winter. Or as Winnipeggers called it, ‘Winterpeg’.

Today is World Mental Health Day, and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is calling for increased recognition to the mental health consequences of humanitarian crises. It is also advocating for increased action in addressing the critical gaps that exist in providing mental health supports and services.

While the holidays can be an exciting time, it can also be a difficult time for some of us. Even for those surrounded by festivities, food and family, it can be a time when we feel alone, disconnected or isolated, for many reasons, which affects our sense of wellbeing and mental health. Here, we’ve gathered some information on stress, and tips for taking care of yourself and others. 

The Canadian Red Cross is committed to promoting gender equality and inclusion. Right now, only 21 per cent of national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies are women, despite fact that women make up 50 per cent of the staff. GLOW Red is a global network for women who are leaders in the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement around the world. The aim of this initiative is to promote more women leaders, while mentoring and coaching women to get them into those leadership places.
 

Over the past six month, the Red Cross has been working to improve healthcare in Cyclone Idai impacted Mozambique. Canadian Red Crosser Jenn Houtby recently returned from Mozambique, where she was able to take stock of just how much work has been accomplished over the last months. 

Dealing with years of chronic pain would be stressful enough on its own. Now add to that the hardship of being in the hospital for months at a time, finally getting to return home, but with no support from people around you to help make that transition.

Ann is one of our amazing volunteers in Fredericton, New Brunswick. She volunteers in the Emergency Management program helping her community in times of need and has assisted in public education through emergency preparedness presentations. In her own words, this is why she gives back.