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In communities, big and small, local libraries are a meeting space for young and old and of course, a place to sign out books, DVDs and audiobooks. When High River’s library was severely damaged by the Southern Alberta Floods in 2013, it moved to a temporary location while repairs and rebuilding took place. It was then that unique needs started to emerge.

Violence in Rakhine State, Myanmar has displaced hundreds of thousands people from the local Muslim population, who have been crossing into Bangladesh in search of safety. Approximately 57% of people arriving in makeshift settlements are children under the age of 17. A recent assessment was carried out to determine what unique challenges these children face, and how those needs can be met. 

The impact of Cyclone Mora is being felt along coastal areas of Bangladesh which made landfall in south east Bangladesh this morning (May 30). With high winds and heavy rains, the Bangladesh meteorological office has warned that coastal districts could face flooding as a result of 4-5 metre storm surges along the sea front.

We’re very excited to share that Red Cross volunteer, donor and partner Murad Al-Katib won the Oslo Business for Peace Award for his contributions to feeding refugee families. This honour comes as no surprise to us, as Murad is known for his dedication and care both at home and around the world.  

Now that I occasionally rent out my cottage, I often get messages from guests who can’t find a switch or get the Apple TV to work. That’s nothing new. But when a woman texted me at 4 a.m. to tell me that the power was out and she couldn’t find the flashlight, I realized that my safety instructions were a little light on detail. Would people know what to do if there was a fire? Did they know where to shut off the water and find the first aid kit?

"I don't ‎need that much. Please keep it for people who need it more."
"I lost all the baby pictures of my four boys."
"Thanks for everything you are doing for us".

Volunteer Guy Lepage shares some of the conversations he's had while on the ground, responding to the flooding in Quebec. 
 

“Le coeur de la classe.” That’s what Julian’s teacher calls him – the heart of the class. The 10-year-old Ottawa boy has always had a generous spirit and been aware of those around him who might be going through difficult times. As individuals and families in his region were affected by flooding this past week, Julian decided to embark on a fundraising effort to support them.

Over the past few weeks, thousands of people have had to evacuate their homes as a result of the spring floods in Quebec and parts of Ontario. Now that the water is beginning to withdraw in some regions, those evacuated by flooding may begin to re-enter their homes. Here are 8 safety precautions to follow when you return home.