British Columbia News and Stories

Persistence through recovery: reflections on the 2017 B.C. Fires

February 28, 2019 - Stephen stands next to a lone tree, only steps away from his home. One side of the tree is burned, while the other side appears to be untouched. It’s a reminder of just how close his home, just outside of Quesnel, was to being completely destroyed by the British Columbia Wildfires of 2017.
 

In his words: an interview with a volunteer from PEI

December 11, 2018 - Our volunteers consist of thousands of remarkable Canadians, generously giving their time to help others in need. Here we sit down with one such volunteer from P.E.I., Jamie MacKay who shares what he has seen and experienced as a volunteer, and why he does it.

Celebrating the victories

October 02, 2018 - Best known for our emergency response work, the Canadian Red Cross is often first at the scene providing basic necessities to evacuees during times of disaster. Less well-known, but just as important to the Red Cross, is helping evacuated communities get back to their regular lives and celebrate being able to return home.

Behind the scenes: One Canadian Red Cross volunteer’s experience in North Carolina

September 30, 2018 - On disaster responses, there are many different jobs that make the operation possible. In addition to volunteers and staff working face-to-face with those affected, there are also numerous behind-the-scenes responders who help keep the operation running smoothly. Canadian Red Cross volunteer David Rennie of Halifax, Nova Scotia is one such volunteer.

Become a lifeguard with the Canadian Red Cross

August 22, 2018 - At the Red Cross, we have been teaching swimming and water safety in Canada since 1946. We give people the knowledge and confidence they need to stay safe when they are on, in, or near the water. We also provide the training and skills for a fun and rewarding job – lifeguarding!

What does it take to be ready for a tornado?

July 20, 2018 - In Canada, tornadoes can happen in southern Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, the interior of British Columbia and western New Brunswick.
So, what should you do to be ready for a tornado?

Red Cross responds to flooding in British Columbia

May 21, 2018 - Over the weekend of May 12, the Kettle River in Grand Forks, B.C. flooded into the downtown region forcing several low-lying areas to evacuate. The Canadian Red Cross is helping meet the urgent needs of flood-impacted residents in Grand Forks and the rest of the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary. We encourage evacuated residents to register with Emergency Social Services or the Red Cross. 

Warehouses help Red Cross be ready for disasters

March 06, 2018 - At the Canadian Red Cross, we talk a lot about personal preparedness. Be ready for disasters by knowing the risks, making a plan, and getting an emergency kit. But how does the Red Cross prepare for these situations?

Giving the gift of time as a volunteer

March 01, 2018 - Most people look forward to retirement as a time to slow down and relax, but that was not the plan for Hamilton resident Jim DePass. In 2006, after finishing a rewarding 40-year career with a steel manufacturer, Jim decided that his first priority as a retiree was to volunteer, and his sights were set on the Canadian Red Cross. 

How Red Cross supports mental health in emergencies and beyond

January 31, 2018 - When a disaster strikes, the Canadian Red Cross quickly mobilizes to meet people’s basic needs: shelter, food, clothing, registration and so on. But there’s another aspect of the Red Cross response that’s perhaps not as well-known, but is equally important to the people impacted by the disaster:  our work to support psychosocial wellbeing in times of crisis and through the long recovery phase after disasters.