For individuals who have dedicated decades of service to the organization, the Order of the Red Cross is a prestigious achievement. Considered the Canadian Red Cross’ highest award, it recognizes extraordinary people who have provided outstanding humanitarian service at home and abroad. Initiated In 1984 to replace two previous honours (Honorary Counsellor and Honorary Member), recipients of the Order may be appointed as Companions, Officers, or Members. 

The medal recipients receive is 10-carat gold plated and white enamel, gold plate, and sterling silver respectively and consists of a red cross encircled by leaves, which sits within a larger cross. Also presented are a lapel pin and a miniature.

“The thing about the Red Cross is they never say no to someone who offers help. They just say, ‘how much time do you have?’”

The following three recipients demonstrate the diversity of service honourees have brought to the Red Cross:

• Kai Tao: over two decades, Tao forged a relationship between the organization and the Chinese Canadian community during natural disaster relief efforts in China and Myanmar. He also served as an administrator in the Ontario zone and sat on the national board of governors.
• Bonnie Kearns: a volunteer in Sarnia, Ontario for over 25 years, Kearns was involved in local programs ranging from teaching emergency preparedness to Meals on Wheels. She utilized her nursing experience to assist in setting up a field hospital in Haiti, as well as work in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
• Sally St. Lewis: starting as a student nurse in England, St. Lewis has been involved with the Red Cross for over half-a-century. “The thing about the Red Cross is they never say no to someone who offers help,” she said when awarded in 2011. “They just say, ‘how much time do you have?’” Based in Ottawa, she was deployed to respond to disaster ranging from the ice storm which struck eastern Ontario in 1998 to work In Serbia and Tanzania.

Annual appointments of the Order of the Red Cross are limited to 25 Members, five Officers, and three Companions.