The purpose of the agreement is to deliver Emergency Support Services (ESS) and to ensure the Government of Yukon and Canadian Red Cross are equipped to support communities in the event of an emergency, promoting the health, safety, and wellbeing of all Yukoners.
From Water Safety Instructor to Emergency Operations Leader
Reid found his calling for emergency operations through the Canadian Red Cross. He first joined the organization in 2010 as a volunteer in the water safety program where he successfully became a water safety instructor.
In 2018, Reid shifted to the emergency response team, supporting personal disaster assistance where he offered invaluable insights and a compassionate approach. His first large-scale operation with the Canadian Red Cross was in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 2019.
At the time, 16 First Nations communities experienced an extreme, early season blizzard that caused major flooding and left communities with no power for days.
More than 10,000 people were evacuated from their communities into Winnipeg, where they received support from Canadian Red Cross volunteers and staff including lodging, food, emotional support, clothing, hygiene kits, and formula and diapers for children.
“Being there in that moment with these people whose entire community just flooded really put things into perspective and reassured me that not only do I love the work, but I love what the organization stands for,” says Reid.
Inspired by his time in Manitoba, Reid set out on a mission to be the best volunteer the organization has ever seen. He later became employed as a Canadian Red Cross staff and responded to several other emergency operations nationwide.
Strengthening Emergency Preparedness in the Yukon
More recently, Reid received the opportunity to lead the first of its kind Canadian Red Cross emergency management program in the Yukon.
He is one of three full-time staff assigned to the Yukon, leading the emergency response team. The team is also supported by an Indigenous Community Response Specialist, a mental and psychosocial support team, and other technical experts based in British Columbia. The team leverages these resources virtually and in person, depending on the scale of a response operation.
Considering the geographical location of the Yukon, being proactive in emergency preparedness and response is a crucial consideration of this partnership.
“Every response is different, so it depends on the operation and how many people we anticipate serving,” says Reid. “If it’s going to be a smaller response, we can tap into our resources and expertise virtually. For larger scale responses, we want that expertise here in person.”
Scalable Emergency Management Solutions in the Yukon
Since the partnership was announced, there has been a considerable number of progressions. From developing and implementing emergency management strategies, to identifying the logistics of a future emergency response, and fostering volunteer experience and engagement.
Prior the Canadian Red Cross having emergency management presence in the territory, the only way to receive emergency support services in the Yukon was in person using vouchers. “The Canadian Red Cross has a much more flexible and scalable model in the way we deliver services,” says Reid. “I think by and large, people are really excited at the prospect of us being here.”
Representing the Canadian Red Cross in the Yukon also allows Reid to identify future opportunities for the organization in emergency management, disaster risk and reduction, and other program areas where Canadian Red Cross programs can provide assistance.
“My hope is that long-term, we can take the framework that we build from this partnership and apply it to other programs in the Yukon and also in other territories,” says Reid. “Right now, we may have short-term projects, but what does a permanent or more long-term residence in the territories look like? Not only for the Canadian Red Cross, but for the people of those territories.”
Engaging Volunteers in Yukon Communities
The Canadian Red Cross relies heavily on our dedicated volunteers to provide support during an emergency response. A critical cornerstone of this partnership is building volunteer capacity and organizational trust at a local level.
This includes recruiting and training volunteers from communities who will contribute to providing access to services during an emergency such as shelter, food, clothing, registering evacuees, and providing emotional comfort.
“The training, and the commitment to being an emergency management volunteer can sometimes be intimidating,” says Reid. “Managing that commitment and what those expectations look like, while also ensuring volunteers are having a positive experience really matters to me.”
As someone who started with the Canadian Red Cross as a volunteer, Reid is committed to ensuring his team of volunteers are supported and have a positive experience. The Canadian Red Cross is actively recruiting volunteers in the Yukon to support this partnership. If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a Red Cross volunteer, visit our emergency management volunteer page for more information.
