Guest post by Kathryn Dunmore, Red Cross blogger
Canadian Red Cross appreciates the ongoing dedication of volunteers across the country dedicated to helping in times of disaster, emergency, community health and training through various programs.
Volunteers in Ontario will receive recognition from the Canadian Red Cross for their volunteer work on May 22; here are three such volunteers and their stories of volunteerism.
Justina
Following her older sister’s footsteps, Justina Lee began volunteering for the Canadian Red Cross’ Street Relief program six years ago. Every Saturday, from November to April, Justina volunteers at the.jpg.aspx;.pdf;?width=275&height=329)
Saturday Hot Lunch program, which serves approximately 120 clients out of a church in downtown Toronto.
“Knowing the program makes a difference is deeply gratifying,” said Justina, pictured left. “There's great camaraderie among the volunteers and we've developed friendships that exist outside of the program. This definitely makes it easier to get out of bed on wintery Saturday mornings because I get to spend a few hours with my friends and give back to the community at the same time."
"I volunteer with the Street Relief program because it has a direct impact on my community," said Justina. "My experience with the Red Cross has taught me the importance of compassion, humility, and giving back to the community."
The Street Relief Program also runs a Monday breakfast program and a Wednesday dinner program, both of which run year-round.
Dave
Dave Anderson retired from a career in business risk assessment but kept his skills honed by volunteering as a disaster response team lead in Toronto.
He aided in the Toronto ice storm in 2013 and the flooding in Burlington last year by supporting people affected through registration, providing supplies and information for further assistance.
“I always get a really good sense of having done something worthwhile with Red Cross,” said Dave. “Within a day of deploying, I get the sense that we are really helping people. I look forward to volunteering. I don’t see any end in sight.”
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Pictured right, Dave stands second from right with three Nepalese Red Cross volunteers in the Canadian Forces C-17 aircraft that recently delivered components of the Emergency Response Unit (field hospital) to Nepal. Dave acted as the Canadian Red Cross Cargo Attendant on the first relief plane leaving Canada for Kathmandu in April.
Dave says the Red Cross work he most enjoys is helping to maintain the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) in Mississauga.
“The work at the ERU is a nice blend of planning, attention to detail and physical activity,” he explained. “A small group of us, led by staff, help to do inventory, replenish stale-dated supplies, repack after training exercises, rebuild portions of the ERU that have been deployed, and generally ensure that the ERU is ready to be sent to help those in need at a moment's notice. Flying into Nepal with the first shipment last month was, in many ways, the culmination of several years of work by the whole team. I was lucky enough to see, first hand, how our work will help others who need help so badly. It has been a unique opportunity for which I am extremely grateful.”
Candace
Candace McCool has volunteered for the Canadian Red Cross for the past 20 years, aiding in many programs from volunteer resources and Restoring Family Links to disaster management.
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“The thing about the Red Cross is it changes, each program renews itself,” said Candace, pictured left. “It’s always interesting.”
When Toronto experienced an emergency with a SARS outbreak in 2003, Candace aided those quarantined, working with Restoring Family Links to reunite family members.
“Tracing and reunion is why I originally came to Red Cross as I wanted to help people coming to Toronto from a world away,” she explained. “They have to set up here, get to know the city, get a job and find themselves. They think about family left behind so we use the network of the Red Cross to reconnect people.”
Now retired, Candace says volunteering keeps her moving.
“This is how I spend my time and I don’t get bored; I find it very fulfilling.”
Canadian Red Cross appreciates the ongoing dedication of volunteers across the country dedicated to helping in times of disaster, emergency, community health and training through various programs.
Volunteers in Ontario will receive recognition from the Canadian Red Cross for their volunteer work on May 22; here are three such volunteers and their stories of volunteerism.
Justina
Following her older sister’s footsteps, Justina Lee began volunteering for the Canadian Red Cross’ Street Relief program six years ago. Every Saturday, from November to April, Justina volunteers at the
Saturday Hot Lunch program, which serves approximately 120 clients out of a church in downtown Toronto.“Knowing the program makes a difference is deeply gratifying,” said Justina, pictured left. “There's great camaraderie among the volunteers and we've developed friendships that exist outside of the program. This definitely makes it easier to get out of bed on wintery Saturday mornings because I get to spend a few hours with my friends and give back to the community at the same time."
"I volunteer with the Street Relief program because it has a direct impact on my community," said Justina. "My experience with the Red Cross has taught me the importance of compassion, humility, and giving back to the community."
The Street Relief Program also runs a Monday breakfast program and a Wednesday dinner program, both of which run year-round.
Dave
Dave Anderson retired from a career in business risk assessment but kept his skills honed by volunteering as a disaster response team lead in Toronto.
He aided in the Toronto ice storm in 2013 and the flooding in Burlington last year by supporting people affected through registration, providing supplies and information for further assistance.
“I always get a really good sense of having done something worthwhile with Red Cross,” said Dave. “Within a day of deploying, I get the sense that we are really helping people. I look forward to volunteering. I don’t see any end in sight.”
Pictured right, Dave stands second from right with three Nepalese Red Cross volunteers in the Canadian Forces C-17 aircraft that recently delivered components of the Emergency Response Unit (field hospital) to Nepal. Dave acted as the Canadian Red Cross Cargo Attendant on the first relief plane leaving Canada for Kathmandu in April.
Dave says the Red Cross work he most enjoys is helping to maintain the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) in Mississauga.
“The work at the ERU is a nice blend of planning, attention to detail and physical activity,” he explained. “A small group of us, led by staff, help to do inventory, replenish stale-dated supplies, repack after training exercises, rebuild portions of the ERU that have been deployed, and generally ensure that the ERU is ready to be sent to help those in need at a moment's notice. Flying into Nepal with the first shipment last month was, in many ways, the culmination of several years of work by the whole team. I was lucky enough to see, first hand, how our work will help others who need help so badly. It has been a unique opportunity for which I am extremely grateful.”
Candace
Candace McCool has volunteered for the Canadian Red Cross for the past 20 years, aiding in many programs from volunteer resources and Restoring Family Links to disaster management.
“The thing about the Red Cross is it changes, each program renews itself,” said Candace, pictured left. “It’s always interesting.”When Toronto experienced an emergency with a SARS outbreak in 2003, Candace aided those quarantined, working with Restoring Family Links to reunite family members.
“Tracing and reunion is why I originally came to Red Cross as I wanted to help people coming to Toronto from a world away,” she explained. “They have to set up here, get to know the city, get a job and find themselves. They think about family left behind so we use the network of the Red Cross to reconnect people.”
Now retired, Candace says volunteering keeps her moving.
“This is how I spend my time and I don’t get bored; I find it very fulfilling.”
