Community Services

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Life-Changing Support During Trying Times: Cash and Voucher Assistance in Haiti

Devastation on a beach in Haiti

As of early 2023, Haiti continues to experience a major security, social, economic, and public health crisis. Despite the deteriorating security situation, namely tied to armed violence, the Red Cross continues its essential work in support of the people of Haiti. One approach we have taken is providing direct financial assistance for the people who are still recovering from the 2021 Earthquake. To date, the Cash and Voucher Assistance program has enabled 1,400 households in the municipalities of Corail and Pestel, in Grande Anse, to meet their essential humanitarian needs and provides much needed relief during these difficult times.

Devastation on a beach in Haiti

The Community Services Recovery Fund – supporting community organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic

A young woman sitting at a computer

A new program has been launched to help community service organizations in Canada strengthen their internal structures and practices as they recover from the pandemic. This will, in turn, assist them as they continue to support their communities.

A young woman sitting at a computer

More than a century of tireless service: Celebrating Dilke Red Cross Society

Three older women in a kitchen, one seated with two behind her, smiling at the camera

On December 16, 1916, in the small community of Dilke, just northwest of Regina, Saskatchewan, a group of 24 men and women formed a society to help soldiers who were away at war. Little did they know this would be the beginning of a beautiful friendship that would span generations, for more than a century.

Three older women in a kitchen, one seated with two behind her, smiling at the camera

Connecting health and social care systems with Social Prescribing 

An elderly man and woman painting with a younger woman observing and smiling

We are always looking for ways to provide more resources for better health care for Canadians. Our leadership role in establishing the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing (CISP) will enhance health care in multiple ways. Here's how:

An elderly man and woman painting with a younger woman observing and smiling

HELP: How the Red Cross Health Equipment Loan Program supports my mobility and independence  

Jennifer Barnable, a woman with green eyes and purple-toned, wavy hair is standing in front of a white wall.

Disability doesn’t discriminate, it can appear in our lives, whether from birth, through illness and injury, or simply by the natural process of aging. Chances are, you or someone you know, lives with some form of temporary or permanent disability. Would you know where to turn to if you needed health equipment to maintain your quality of life?

Jennifer Barnable, a woman with green eyes and purple-toned, wavy hair is standing in front of a white wall.

Canadian Red Cross mobile vaccine clinics demonstrate value of teamwork and agility

A person in face shield, mask, glasses and medical gown talking to another person

For most of us, getting a shot only lasts an instant, but for public health specialist Shawna Novak, the vaccination story begins before clinic doors open and ends long after doses are administered.
Shawna is part of the Canadian Red Cross vaccination team operating clinics across southern Ontario.

A person in face shield, mask, glasses and medical gown talking to another person

Friendly Calls program expands in Alberta

Two women standing in an office

“Right away people are telling you, ‘I'm so thankful that you called. I was not expecting any other calls this week.’ They are happy to hear from us.”
That is the way Luisa Castro, the provincial coordinator of the Virtual Support Team describes the reaction of participants in the Friendly Calls program.

Two women standing in an office

Top stories of 2021: our year in review

Collaborative artwork by nonprofit Art Not Shame with several artists contributing sections of this painting create

Despite it all, this year brought about inspiring and touching stories that resonated with our readers. We looked at the most popular stories from 2021 and brought them together for us to enjoy again as we end 2021.

Collaborative artwork by nonprofit Art Not Shame with several artists contributing sections of this painting create

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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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