By: Shelly Makrugin, Senior Communications Advisor, Canadian Red Cross
Photo Courtesy of Harrison Brooke
For Harrison Brooke, volunteering with the Canadian Red Cross began as an opportunity to give back to his community while learning new skills. In 2021, he joined the Friendly Calls program, a Red Cross initiative that provides people with emotional support and community connections through regular phone call check-ins.
“I was really impressed by the Friendly Calls program,” Harrison recalls. “When I joined, it was still a new program. Everybody was super excited about it, and I thought this sounds awesome. I've enjoyed it so much.”
Now 25, Harrison has graduated from university and works as a respiratory therapist at Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary and in Fort St John British Columbia. Throughout his studies, he continued to volunteer, making wellness calls to participants of the Canadian Red Cross Friendly Calls program.
“The Friendly Calls Program is so rewarding. A lot of the participants are very isolated. When I reach out to them and show genuine empathy for their situation, it makes their days. I think it's probably the best feeling ever.”
Harrison is now studying to apply to medical school with hopes of becoming a doctor. He shares that along with connecting to community, volunteering with Friendly Calls is helping him develop good bedside manner for his future healthcare career.
“Bedside manner is truly rooted in engaging with patients and showing empathy, not sympathy,” explains Harrison. “It’s something a lot of people struggle with, and you really have to work on. It affects patients quite heavily when performed poorly.”
Harrison appreciates the flexibility that comes with volunteering with the Canadian Red Cross, which allows him to work around his schedule and make calls from home.
“Volunteering and talking to people has really helped with my conversation skills and with being able to connect with others as a whole,” says Harrison.
Harrison’s story reminds us volunteering can help yourself as much as you help others. Anyone interested in volunteering with the Canadian Red Cross can explore opportunities on our Volunteer page.
As a Red Cross Friendly Calls volunteer, you can have a lasting, positive impact on the life of someone who needs connection with another person.
You don't need special skills or experience either — all you need is kindness, compassion, and a couple of hours a week! If you'd like to learn more, sign up to be a Friendly Calls volunteer!
If you’re looking for community connections, or even if you could use a little encouragement and emotional support, find out if the Friendly Calls program is for you!
Photo Courtesy of Harrison Brooke
For Harrison Brooke, volunteering with the Canadian Red Cross began as an opportunity to give back to his community while learning new skills. In 2021, he joined the Friendly Calls program, a Red Cross initiative that provides people with emotional support and community connections through regular phone call check-ins.
“I was really impressed by the Friendly Calls program,” Harrison recalls. “When I joined, it was still a new program. Everybody was super excited about it, and I thought this sounds awesome. I've enjoyed it so much.”
The Rewarding Impact of Volunteering with the Friendly Calls Program
Now 25, Harrison has graduated from university and works as a respiratory therapist at Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary and in Fort St John British Columbia. Throughout his studies, he continued to volunteer, making wellness calls to participants of the Canadian Red Cross Friendly Calls program. “The Friendly Calls Program is so rewarding. A lot of the participants are very isolated. When I reach out to them and show genuine empathy for their situation, it makes their days. I think it's probably the best feeling ever.”
Developing Skills for Meaningful Careers through the Friendly Calls Program
Harrison is now studying to apply to medical school with hopes of becoming a doctor. He shares that along with connecting to community, volunteering with Friendly Calls is helping him develop good bedside manner for his future healthcare career. “Bedside manner is truly rooted in engaging with patients and showing empathy, not sympathy,” explains Harrison. “It’s something a lot of people struggle with, and you really have to work on. It affects patients quite heavily when performed poorly.”
Harrison appreciates the flexibility that comes with volunteering with the Canadian Red Cross, which allows him to work around his schedule and make calls from home.
“Volunteering and talking to people has really helped with my conversation skills and with being able to connect with others as a whole,” says Harrison.
Creating Connections: How Friendly Calls Brings Comfort to Community Members
The greatest reward for Harrison is speaking to those who need a caring touch point. “My favourite part about volunteering would be helping them feel safe and knowing they're not alone, and that they have family or support near them. Just providing a connection, I think that's the most important aspect.”Harrison’s story reminds us volunteering can help yourself as much as you help others. Anyone interested in volunteering with the Canadian Red Cross can explore opportunities on our Volunteer page.
Interested in becoming a Friendly Calls Volunteer?
As a Red Cross Friendly Calls volunteer, you can have a lasting, positive impact on the life of someone who needs connection with another person. You don't need special skills or experience either — all you need is kindness, compassion, and a couple of hours a week! If you'd like to learn more, sign up to be a Friendly Calls volunteer!
