Volunteers 5

The Canadian Red Cross family experienced a great loss last week. Long-time volunteer, mentor, Master Instructor Trainer (MIT), and friend, Barney Chanda, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, October 13th. Many will recognize Barney for his many appearances over the years in Red Cross first aid and water safety manuals, videos, and resources.

Peter and Donna Collens, a couple from Newfoundland and Labrador, have an unwavering commitment to giving back and helping the community. Their Red Cross story began with volunteering and it will continue long into the future thanks to the legacy gift to Red Cross that they have left in their wills.

Meet Wegdan Rashad Abdelmoemin. Wegdan moved to Toronto, Ontario, just over two years ago, and started volunteering not long after. An international medical graduate, with training in psychiatry and mental health, she is currently studying to get licensed as a doctor in Canada.

Cindy Chiu volunteers to support the Health Equipment Loans Program and the Friendly Calls Program, two vital Red Cross community health and well-being services in Alberta. 
“The most rewarding part about volunteering with HELP is hearing people express their gratitude for the equipment they received; how it greatly aided in their recovery or helped them continue to live independently.”

Red Cross volunteer David Summerby-Murray never expected a need to apply his expertise regarding infectious diseases in a place like Nova Scotia, but that quickly changed with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emergency Response Volunteers, like Herica in Newfoundland, play a big part in coordinating access to food, shelter, clothing, comfort and emotional support to Canadians affected by emergencies and disasters.

With 35 years under his belt at the Canadian Red Cross, Guy Choquet is a critical member of the organization. His journey started at the age of 15 when he stepped forward to contribute his time as a water safety leader volunteer at the Canadian Red Cross. From then on, he never looked back.

After an arduous journey as an asylum seeker from Colombia via the U.S., Juan Andres Espinel says his first moments after crossing the border into Canada have shaped his new life ever since. This is how he went from migrant to volunteer.