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While we always talk about what should be in your disaster preparedness kit, we don’t often tell you what goes in ours. When we prepare for disasters we are not only preparing to ensure we can keep working should the worst happen, but also to help take care of those affected by disasters. We make sure that we have the basics: food, water, clothing, and other essential items that we can provide to those in need. We often have other administrative items as well, like: signs, pens, paper, rubber bands, pre-organized paper work and so on, to help us distribute aid in an organized manner.

Since conflict erupted in South Sudan several months ago, conditions have deteriorated rapidly for those leaving their homes in search of safety. Now driving rain makes their living conditions even harsher.

When the Ebola virus first hit Guinea two months ago, many people didn’t realize it was the deadly haemorrhagic fever. Saa Sabas, from Guinea, was caring for his sick parent when he contracted the virus, but managed to beat it. Now, along with the Red Cross Society of Guinea, Saa Sabas works to raise awareness of how to prevent the spread of the disease, to allay some of the fear and rumours, as well as to combat the ignorance about this dangerous disease.

At this year's Annual Volunteer Appreciation event, the Woodstock Branch recognized Conny Schuurman with 25 years of voluntary service as a driver with the Canadian Red Cross Transportation Program.

Chile recently experienced two significant disasters, devastating fires and earthquake, that required more than simply providing for people's physical well-being. Red Cross volunteers on the ground also provided emotional support, as psychosocial aid is key to helping people recover from disasters. Two volunteers from the Chilean Red Cross share their stories.

The Round-up offers a weekly sample of what our sister Red Cross Societies are working on around the world.

What better way to celebrate Canada’s part in saving millions of lives than with the free #CanadaCares outdoor concert and family day. We hope you'll join us on May 29 in Toronto for a day of family activities and entertainment that will show how we're making a difference in the lives of women and children around the world.

The Canadian Red Cross Maternal, Newborn and Child Health program will soon be rolling out in South Sudan. The program will help ensure life-saving care is available to hundreds of thousands of women and children in South Sudan who might otherwise die from preventable deaths. In Calgary on Wednesday, the Government announced support for $19.9 million dedicated to this program.