Red Cross volunteers in Ottawa provide wellness checks amidst pandemic

Please visit our COVID-19 resource page for the most current information about Red Cross programs, support, and tips. 


Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadian Red Cross volunteers are working in local communities to assist the most vulnerable populations.

Volunteers such as Luc and Adele are administering door-to-door Safety and Wellness checks in Ottawa.

In partnership with the City of Ottawa as part of its Human Needs Task Force for COVID-19, trained volunteers are visiting identified residents to see how they are managing during the pandemic and ensure their basic needs are being met.

These Safety and Wellness checks are initially focused on residents in community housing across the city - a particularly vulnerable population during the pandemic.

“So many folks are isolated with no family around,” said Luc during his round of checks. “They’re so happy to see someone who will talk to them and often comfort them, too.”

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Luc, a Red Cross volunteer for over 13 years, remains positive that their work will help stem the tide of the pandemic. “If we take the measures that we’re encouraging people to take, I think everything will be okay,” says Luc.

His volunteer partner is a third-year student at the University of Ottawa. Adele decided to volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross after experiencing the society’s life-changing work.

Adele’s uncle was in Haiti during the 2011 earthquake and went missing for two weeks. It was the Red Cross who eventually found him. For Adele, volunteering with the organization was an easy decision.

The Canadian Red Cross is helping with the COVID-19 response in communities across Canada. In addition to Safety and Wellness checks, the Red Cross is providing emergency support for community organizations and support to seniors in long-term care homes.

Learn more on how the Canadian Red Cross is responding to COVID-19.

Related:
Lending a helping and virtual volunteer hand in Halifax during COVID-19
Using volunteer opportunities to discover a new passion
Checking in to stay connected during COVID-19
 

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