It's hard to believe that 2014 has very nearly come to a close. Nostalgia has officially kicked in and we’ve started to reminisce over all the notable events that occurred in the last twelve months. While many top 10 lists focus on the newsworthy stories from pop culture, sports and science, we thought we’d also take a minute to look back at the year in Red Cross Talks posts. So, without further ado, here are our ten favourite posts of 2014 in no particular order.
Evacuating Kashechewan: One Family’s Story
Approximately 1,500 Kasheschewan residents were evacuated from their homes last spring. Seventeen-year-old Janie Inishinapay and her five-month-old son, Rysen, were among them. The evacuation was especially difficult for the young family because Rysen relied on a feeding tube to eat, so Red Cross volunteers ensured he and his mother received the special care they required.
A Small School with a Big Heart in Saskatchewan
The Dinsmore Red Cross Youth have been sending letters to the Canadian Red Cross office in Saskatchewan four to five times a year, for the past 38 years. The club holds proper meetings and learn many business skills (like how to make bank deposits), and they are also learning valuable lessons on the importance of giving back.
Ebola Response: Hands-on in a World Without Touch
It’s hard to imagine a world without touch, and yet that is the exact challenge that many in Ebola-affected countries in West Africa are facing. Canadian Red Cross delegate Gwen Eamer writes about the challenges she faced while on deployment to support Red Cross relief efforts for Ebola in Guinea.
The Story of Muggins, the Red Cross Fundraising Dog
Can you believe that, during World War I, one of the top fund raisers for the Canadian Red Cross was a little white dog named Muggins? It’s true. Muggin stood about 12 inches high, and was, by all accounts, quite adorable. He also collected an astounding $21,000 – by touring downtown Victoria each day with two Red Cross donation boxes tied to his back.
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Audrey Dubois had a bad feeling the morning of July 6. She’d received word that her parents were safe, after learning her town had been affected by a train derailment, but her brother, Max, was still missing. Max was one of the 47 people to lose their lives in the tragedy. For Audrey, the painful experience inspired her to volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross to help the town get back on its feet, to rebuild and heal.
Volunteer Spotlight: Fifty Years of Volunteering Keeps Florence Barron Fit
Canadian Red Cross volunteer Florence Barron, 76, runs and swims to stay physically healthy and credits her volunteering for keeping her mentally healthy. Florence has been volunteering for the Red Cross for 50 years and in June she was named to the Order of the Red Cross for her work in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Disaster Resilience Journal: An Interactive Documentary of Resilience in the Face of Disasters
The Disaster Resilience Journal is an interactive documentary featuring the work of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world. It features forty-two photos and stories of individuals or communities’ persistence in living through a disaster.
Stories of Surviving Ebola
With all that we have heard about Ebola since it made its appearance in Guinea last March, it is easy to get disheartened. But even in the times of greatest despair, there is hope. Despite contracting Ebola, many patients in West Africa are recovering from the virus. Mamadou Noumou Diallo and Patricia James are just two of them.
Tech Savvy Toddler Saves Mom’s Life
Never underestimate the abilities of a two-year-old. When his mom was attacked by the family’s foster dog, little Bentley Toone jumped into action and helped save his mother’s life by using the video chat service FaceTime to contact a family friend and seek help.
Rick Munday: Climbing Mountains in Haiti and Beyond
Meet Rick Munday, a Red Crosser working in Haiti. Rick thrives on challenge and has his sights set on climbing the three highest peaks in every continent. While his role with the Red Cross is broad, Rick’s primary responsibilities centres around ensuring the delivery of the right resources to the right people at the right time for programs.
Evacuating Kashechewan: One Family’s Story
Approximately 1,500 Kasheschewan residents were evacuated from their homes last spring. Seventeen-year-old Janie Inishinapay and her five-month-old son, Rysen, were among them. The evacuation was especially difficult for the young family because Rysen relied on a feeding tube to eat, so Red Cross volunteers ensured he and his mother received the special care they required.
A Small School with a Big Heart in Saskatchewan
The Dinsmore Red Cross Youth have been sending letters to the Canadian Red Cross office in Saskatchewan four to five times a year, for the past 38 years. The club holds proper meetings and learn many business skills (like how to make bank deposits), and they are also learning valuable lessons on the importance of giving back.
Ebola Response: Hands-on in a World Without Touch
It’s hard to imagine a world without touch, and yet that is the exact challenge that many in Ebola-affected countries in West Africa are facing. Canadian Red Cross delegate Gwen Eamer writes about the challenges she faced while on deployment to support Red Cross relief efforts for Ebola in Guinea.
The Story of Muggins, the Red Cross Fundraising Dog
Can you believe that, during World War I, one of the top fund raisers for the Canadian Red Cross was a little white dog named Muggins? It’s true. Muggin stood about 12 inches high, and was, by all accounts, quite adorable. He also collected an astounding $21,000 – by touring downtown Victoria each day with two Red Cross donation boxes tied to his back.
One Year Later in Lac-Megantic
Audrey Dubois had a bad feeling the morning of July 6. She’d received word that her parents were safe, after learning her town had been affected by a train derailment, but her brother, Max, was still missing. Max was one of the 47 people to lose their lives in the tragedy. For Audrey, the painful experience inspired her to volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross to help the town get back on its feet, to rebuild and heal.
Volunteer Spotlight: Fifty Years of Volunteering Keeps Florence Barron Fit
Canadian Red Cross volunteer Florence Barron, 76, runs and swims to stay physically healthy and credits her volunteering for keeping her mentally healthy. Florence has been volunteering for the Red Cross for 50 years and in June she was named to the Order of the Red Cross for her work in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Disaster Resilience Journal: An Interactive Documentary of Resilience in the Face of Disasters
The Disaster Resilience Journal is an interactive documentary featuring the work of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world. It features forty-two photos and stories of individuals or communities’ persistence in living through a disaster.
Stories of Surviving EbolaWith all that we have heard about Ebola since it made its appearance in Guinea last March, it is easy to get disheartened. But even in the times of greatest despair, there is hope. Despite contracting Ebola, many patients in West Africa are recovering from the virus. Mamadou Noumou Diallo and Patricia James are just two of them.
Tech Savvy Toddler Saves Mom’s Life
Never underestimate the abilities of a two-year-old. When his mom was attacked by the family’s foster dog, little Bentley Toone jumped into action and helped save his mother’s life by using the video chat service FaceTime to contact a family friend and seek help.
Rick Munday: Climbing Mountains in Haiti and Beyond
Meet Rick Munday, a Red Crosser working in Haiti. Rick thrives on challenge and has his sights set on climbing the three highest peaks in every continent. While his role with the Red Cross is broad, Rick’s primary responsibilities centres around ensuring the delivery of the right resources to the right people at the right time for programs.
