The Canadian Red Cross continued to offer vital assistance in times of need to the people and communities of Alberta, across Canada, and around the world. Even as awareness of the COVID-19 pandemic was unfolding in late 2019, Red Cross was hard at work in preparation and partnership with local, Indigenous, and government leadership to adjust and face this global threat, while continuing to offer regular Red Cross programs and services.
Our Alberta emergency management team carried on with its invaluable work, assisting more than 1,700 people after a disaster and responding to 218 personal disasters, such as house fires, in 2019-20. Early in 2020, Red Cross in Alberta hosted the
Leading the Way in Emergency Management: Alberta Volunteer Leadership Conference, which provided exciting opportunities to learn and discuss best practices in emergency management.
I also want to recognize and congratulate one of our dedicated, long-time volunteers,
Garry Jacobs of Red Deer, who received the Order of the Red Cross for his extraordinary contributions to emergency management and his unwavering commitment to the fundamental principles of the Red Cross. Amit Mehra, a Canadian Red Cross Board of Directors member (now Board Chair), presented the prestigious award in Calgary.
The Red Cross continued its work with Alberta communities on Disaster Risk Reduction initiatives, including workshops for 743 people in 2019-20 to help ensure families and individuals are better prepared and can be more self-sufficient after a disaster.
Once again, the Red Cross proved to be a national leader in First Aid and Water Safety programs and training, as more than 164,000 Albertans participated in swimming and water safety courses, and another 130,923 people in this province learned important first aid skills. As well, the new Psychological First Aid course offered by Red Cross was introduced during the tenth annual Water Safety Conference in Edmonton in October 2019.
Impressive progress was also made by the Indigenous Swimming and Water Safety program, which more than doubled its reach from the previous year to 415 participants in 2019-20.
Through our Health Equipment Loan Program, Alberta staff and volunteers continued to help ensure people can recover more independently at home with temporary loans of more than 50,000 items, such as wheelchairs, crutches and IV poles, during the year.
As always, I remain so grateful to all our partners and donors. Your continued support allows us to assist people in vulnerable situations across our province and country.
I am very thankful as well, to work with hundreds of dedicated volunteers in Alberta, as well as colleagues, partners, donors, governments, citizens and the Provincial Advisory Committee, as we continue to make a difference in people’s lives together.
Jenn McManus
Vice President, Canadian Red Cross, Alberta and Northwest Territories