Hossam Elsharkawi from the Canadian Red Cross International Operations team was in Newfoundland this past week to give presentations to local Red Cross volunteers, the Rotary Club and students and professors with the Faculty of Medicine at Memorial University.
He shared his insight and extensive experience in disaster response, including how the Canadian Red Cross can deploy its Emergency Response Unit within 24-48 hours after a disaster strikes to provide emergency health care in the field.
As his going away gift, Hossam received a thank you gift from the volunteers at the Red Cross. These mitts were handmade by volunteers in Central Newfoundland and Labrador. These mitts are unique to the Newfoundland tradition, made with real wool and designed with the index finger separate from the rest of the mitten allowing the wearer to jig for cod or pull a trigger when hunting. They are affectionately known locally as “trigger mitts.”
Photo Credit: Hollie Yeoh
