Volunteers

Read blog posts from the Canadian Red Cross about our network of volunteers at home and abroad

Latest Posts

Inspired by his father to become a Friendly Calls volunteer

Murray Hill wearing glasses and smiling at the camera

The Red Cross has always been an organization close to Murray Hill’s heart. Throughout his childhood, his father instilled in him that the Red Cross makes a difference in people’s lives all over the world. This deep reverence is what eventually prompted Murray to become a Red Cross volunteer with the Friendly Calls program.

Murray Hill wearing glasses and smiling at the camera

Compassionate Connections: The Red Cross Friendly Calls Program in Action

infographic: its more than just a phone call - its about connection and community

During a challenging time in her life, Regina discovered a source of unwavering support and understanding: the Red Cross Friendly Calls program. Matched with Jan, a compassionate volunteer, Regina found solace and companionship that transcended mere words: "I felt like she knew me."

infographic: its more than just a phone call - its about connection and community

“It was amazing how much help we got”: an evacuee's account of the Northwest Territories wildfires

Michele Michetti smiling at the camera

For more than 20 hours, people fleeing wildfire in Northwest Territories drove south to get to safety and plan their next steps. Michele Michetti, 29, remembers seeing flames, but it’s the people that stick out the most in her memories on the drive from Yellowknife. 

Michele Michetti smiling at the camera

A Volunteer Journey

Joe is standing on rocks, in front of the sea, and looking at the camera

Joe Michielsen is entering his third decade as a volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross in southern Alberta. Discover why he thinks “volunteering is the best job”.

Joe is standing on rocks, in front of the sea, and looking at the camera

Corporate volunteering: working together to create interconnected communities in Canada

One area we’re seeing a large amount of success is with corporate partners – teams of colleagues working together on impactful projects like mapping, to help vulnerable communities be recognized on a map in times of emergencies or helping in our warehouse to pack critical supplies. See how these company teams are getting involved on-the-ground.

Two generations honoring the past and supporting the future

Young Mary Land wearing her Red Cross uniform. Photo is black and white.

Mary Land was 21 when she enlisted in a group of volunteers who were specially trained for wartime service known as the Canadian Red Cross Corps during the Second World War. At 95 years old Mary and her son John had a chance to watch a tribute video of Canadian women like herself who served in the Canadian Red Cross Corps. Her son's final gift to his mother was to pay tribute to the remarkable life Mary lived and her service to the Red Cross as a volunteer.

Young Mary Land wearing her Red Cross uniform. Photo is black and white.

Local affected by Hurricane Fiona finds strength in volunteering with this community

William Coney discusses with a person affected by Fiona

When Hurricane Fiona hit William Coney’s quaint neighbourhood on September 24, 2022, the Canadian Red Cross volunteer did what he knew best: help others. He says volunteering gave him a sense of agency. “Certainly, it was a lot nicer to be autonomous and active. This was a way I could help my local community.”

William Coney discusses with a person affected by Fiona

3 reasons why volunteering is the best New Year's resolution

Two Red Cross members walking with an older woman between them who is wrapped in a Red Cross blanket

When considering New Year's resolutions, it’s easy to have a long list of ambitions: meet new people, learn a new skill, spend more time with family and friends and so on. But, if you want to combine all those goals into one, make your resolution to volunteer in 2023!

Two Red Cross members walking with an older woman between them who is wrapped in a Red Cross blanket

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About The Blog

The purpose of this blog, quite simply, is to talk. This blog is an opportunity for Red Cross staff, volunteers, supporters and friends to share stories about what is happening in your community and the important work you are doing. It is a tool that will help keep all of us connected.

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