Volunteers (Page 7)

This past week, Canadian Red Cross lost one of our long-time and beloved volunteers, Ted Itani. Throughout his life, Ted’s contributions to humanitarian work were truly extraordinary.

A dedicated emergency management volunteer, a passionate water safety instructor trainer and a loyal educator have received the highest award given by the Canadian Red Cross. The three Alberta volunteers were given the Order of Red Cross, which recognizes extraordinary people who have provided outstanding humanitarian service at home and abroad.

This year was challenging for so many of us as the pandemic changed the way all of us lived. Usually we look back at the year by naming the top blogs but, this year, we thought it was much more important to take a look at those who stepped up in a time of need to help others in 2020. These volunteers gave of themselves when their daily lives were changed as well.

WARNING: This story includes mention of a death by suicide.

Ayden Walter is a registered nurse. She’s a newcomer to Regina and was looking to make connections in her community when she discovered the Friendly Phone program on the Canadian Red Cross website.

From volunteering with the Red Cross in his home of Lebanon since he was 18 to now helping the Canadian Red Cross, read about one volunteer's unusual life path.

After 45 years of volunteering with the Canadian Red Cross, Gaétane Rioux is still as caring as ever when she arrives at the scene of a fire. Whether the year is 1975 or 2020, people who are impacted by a disaster all experience a range of strong emotions when their homes are on fire. Gaétane and her fellow volunteers are there to provide compassion and a shoulder to lean on through such challenging times.

When you think of extraordinary people, Sandra MacArthur of Osler, SK, certainly fits the bill.
Her dedication as a Canadian Red Cross volunteer over the last 13 years helping others in the midst of disaster was recognized in a virtual ceremony November 25, 2020, during which she was named a member of the Order of the Red Cross.

Patricia Wilson is the kind of person who always has protein bars in her car in case she meets someone in need. Although a new volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross, Wilson is no stranger to disaster management, having responded to countless emergencies over the past two decades.