By Karen Chan, Canadian Red Cross Volunteer
The Red Cross emblem is one of the most recognized symbols in the world. It’s recognition of protection, impartiality, and neutrality is used to identify services, programs, and people connected with the humanitarian activities of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
As we mark World Red Cross Red Crescent Day, we celebrate the values and fundamental principles of the Red Cross: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.
Below our feature explores the power of the Red Cross emblem and how a simple act of kindness can go a long way.
Back in October, I had a craving for fries, so I went to a Wendy's in Toronto. To my left was an African gentleman resplendent in a blue traditional top and a wooden Africa necklace. He looked a bit lost, with a plastic folder full of documents.
Being a bit nosy, I looked at the package and noticed the Red Cross emblem. Thinking he might be a refugee, I thought why not make a new friend today.
I noticed he spoke some broken English and had trouble finding the soda machine, so I pointed "à la droite." I asked if he was new to Toronto, and he said yes. In that envelope was his identification and a Canadian Red Cross handout for the First Contact Refugee Program. He told me he had only been here for three days and could use some help, so I thought why not?
As I sat and learned more about his story, he introduced himself as Arnaud from Brazzaville in the Republic of Congo. He is a former sports stadium director, kung fu enthusiast, and a self-declared sapeur. After helping Arnaud sort through and make sense of the documents, he told me he met his first Canadian family - I guess that is me.
Connecting with Arnaud and learning more about his story reminded me how a simple act of kindness can go a long way. I decided to open my doors to Arnaud as he got on his feet and settled into life in a new country.
He ended up sleeping on my floor in a sleeping bag for a few days. I took him to the library to get a library card and to see if there were any free English classes. I also helped him applyfor social assistance. He shared that he hoped to continue to work with youth using sports like kung fu.
One night, he asked to cook something and out came the Congolese worms. He cooked them with peanut butter, spices, and onions, and it was pretty good. Thanksgiving came, and a local business was offering free turkey dinner for customers. We decided to go, and I tried to encourage him to speak English. He said, " If there is free food every day, I will come every day! The turkey is g-ooood." The chef laughed heartily.
At times, he would look sad and say that his kids were calling him crying. He prays and writes out goals every day. He said that the only thing he is sending home this Christmas are prayers, because presents are too expensive. His mom is ill, and his children and wife really miss him. His wife is a tailor, and I also happen to design clothes with a small team in Malawi. In Congo, "le sap" is a way of living and dressing with flair. He states with confidence that we can only wear three colours, or it is not le sap. I shared some of my designs in African kitenge, and he seemed to like the bowties.
Between the first few days and two months later, he seems much more confident in his English. Arnaud has since found housing and continues to take English classes.
Meeting Arnaud made me reflect on the power of a logo. The Red Cross emblem represents a symbol of impartiality, humanity, and most of all, hope.
The Red Cross emblem is one of the most recognized symbols in the world. It’s recognition of protection, impartiality, and neutrality is used to identify services, programs, and people connected with the humanitarian activities of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
As we mark World Red Cross Red Crescent Day, we celebrate the values and fundamental principles of the Red Cross: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.
Below our feature explores the power of the Red Cross emblem and how a simple act of kindness can go a long way.
Back in October, I had a craving for fries, so I went to a Wendy's in Toronto. To my left was an African gentleman resplendent in a blue traditional top and a wooden Africa necklace. He looked a bit lost, with a plastic folder full of documents.
Being a bit nosy, I looked at the package and noticed the Red Cross emblem. Thinking he might be a refugee, I thought why not make a new friend today.
I noticed he spoke some broken English and had trouble finding the soda machine, so I pointed "à la droite." I asked if he was new to Toronto, and he said yes. In that envelope was his identification and a Canadian Red Cross handout for the First Contact Refugee Program. He told me he had only been here for three days and could use some help, so I thought why not?
As I sat and learned more about his story, he introduced himself as Arnaud from Brazzaville in the Republic of Congo. He is a former sports stadium director, kung fu enthusiast, and a self-declared sapeur. After helping Arnaud sort through and make sense of the documents, he told me he met his first Canadian family - I guess that is me.
A sapeur is someone who is a part of the social movement originating in the Democratic Republic of Congo known as, “La Sape.” Sapeurs are known for their extravagant fashion styles and view clothing as a form of self-expression, often making bold statements about identity and cultural pride.
Opening my door to Arnaud in a time of need
Connecting with Arnaud and learning more about his story reminded me how a simple act of kindness can go a long way. I decided to open my doors to Arnaud as he got on his feet and settled into life in a new country.
He ended up sleeping on my floor in a sleeping bag for a few days. I took him to the library to get a library card and to see if there were any free English classes. I also helped him applyfor social assistance. He shared that he hoped to continue to work with youth using sports like kung fu.
One night, he asked to cook something and out came the Congolese worms. He cooked them with peanut butter, spices, and onions, and it was pretty good. Thanksgiving came, and a local business was offering free turkey dinner for customers. We decided to go, and I tried to encourage him to speak English. He said, " If there is free food every day, I will come every day! The turkey is g-ooood." The chef laughed heartily.
At times, he would look sad and say that his kids were calling him crying. He prays and writes out goals every day. He said that the only thing he is sending home this Christmas are prayers, because presents are too expensive. His mom is ill, and his children and wife really miss him. His wife is a tailor, and I also happen to design clothes with a small team in Malawi. In Congo, "le sap" is a way of living and dressing with flair. He states with confidence that we can only wear three colours, or it is not le sap. I shared some of my designs in African kitenge, and he seemed to like the bowties.
Between the first few days and two months later, he seems much more confident in his English. Arnaud has since found housing and continues to take English classes.
Meeting Arnaud made me reflect on the power of a logo. The Red Cross emblem represents a symbol of impartiality, humanity, and most of all, hope.
