Celebrating Our Volunteers: The Heart of the Canadian Red Cross

*All photos in this blog were submitted by volunteers. 

This National Volunteer Week (April 27 to May 4, 2025), we’re celebrating the incredible individuals who dedicate their time, energy, and passion to the Canadian Red Cross. Our volunteers are the heart of the organization and bring the mission of the Canadian Red Cross to life. 

Join us in celebrating some of the amazing volunteers making a difference and representing the Canadian Red Cross in communities across Canada. 
 

Chibuike Asoh 

Ontario 

Chibuike became a Canadian Red Cross volunteer because he was looking for genuine human connections and a chance to directly support individuals in his community.  

He volunteers with the transportation team in Ontario, which helps people that may have no other means of transportation for important appointments and activities.  

“It’s more than just driving, it’s about the stories,” says Chibuike. “Every trip is a little window into someone’s life. Sometimes it’s just a quiet ride, but even in that silence, it’s a shared moment, a connection.” 
 

Jackie Specken  

Alberta  

After a residential fire in her neighbourhood, Jackie was on the scene offering her phone to people who were evacuated to make calls.  

She realized she wanted to continue supporting those impacted by disasters and began volunteering with the Canadian Red Cross emergency management team in Alberta.  

“I don't think I'll ever stop volunteering with the Red Cross because it's a deep, deep part of who I am and I get to live my values,” says Jackie.  

Mindy Oiffer 

Ontario

Mindy has been a Canadian Red Cross volunteer for the past four years. She started volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic with food box deliveries. Since then, she has been a driver with the Meals on Wheels program in Toronto.  

She also volunteers with the Emergency Management and Disaster Response team. Recently, she responded to the April ice storms in central Ontario.  
 
“The value I get back from volunteering is immeasurable, I can’t imagine my life without it,” says Mindy. “The people that I’ve met in the Toronto area, whether it’s the Meals on Wheels program or the Emergency Management program, everybody wants to provide some level of assistance, be a humanitarian and give some hope back.” 

Modeline Longjohn 

Newfoundland and Labrador 

Modeline has been a Canadian Red Cross volunteer for the past two years. She ensures that Canadian Red Cross responders are prepared to help those who have been impacted by smaller disasters like house fires.  

“I love helping people, especially in their time of need,” says Modeline. “At some point in my life, I realized I wanted to give more of my time towards helping people. That’s why I contacted the Red Cross, looking for opportunities to volunteer.” 

Denyse Gagnon 

Quebec 

Denyse Gagnon has been a Canadian Red Cross volunteer for 25 years. Since 2000, she has volunteered in many capacities, from emergency management to fundraising. 

She says volunteering is, above all, a story of humanity, solidarity, and caring for people who are going through a crisis. She remembers one fire call in Alma, Quebec which left 15 people without a home. 

“I gave a blanket to a young boy named Thomas, and he gave me his stuffed animal,” says Denyse. “It’s a touching gesture that has stayed with me since then and I still have the stuffed animal. This is an example of the human and emotional impact of my volunteer work.” 
 

Louise Bishoff 

British Columbia 

Louise is a longtime volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross, with over 30 years of service. In 2006, she began volunteering with the emergency management team and has held many roles including facilitator, responder, supervisor, and site manager.  

“All of those experiences have shown me how wonderful our volunteers are to help all communities across Canada as well as across the world,” says Louise. “It’s just a wonderful experience and I can’t tell you how important it is and how good you feel about giving back to your community.” 
 

Owen Kemp-Griffin  

Yukon  

Owen is an emergency management volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross in Dawson City, Yukon. Owen is part of a team that responds to emergencies in the community by providing access to services.  

“Dawson City gets hit with a plethora of emergencies from wildfires to flooding to power outages, so it’s important to have as many local response teams as possible.”  
 

Lina Khalil  

Ontario 

Lina started volunteering with the Canadian Red Cross Friendly Calls program because she wanted to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life through connection and compassion. “What began as a simple way to give back has turned into a deeply rewarding experience—knowing that my weekly calls bring comfort and joy to someone makes me feel part of something bigger,” explains Lina.  

She encourages others to volunteer to support their community and to grow, learn, and connect in a fulfilling way. “One of the most touching moments was when a participant told me that our conversations are the highlight of their week,” says Lina. “That genuine human connection is powerful, and it's a reminder that sometimes, just being there and listening is the greatest gift.” 

Deborah Blair  

Manitoba 

Deborah joined the Canadian Red Cross as a volunteer in 2021. As a personal disaster assistance and emergency response team supervisor, she ensures people who are impacted by emergencies and disasters have access to essential services.  

“The Red Cross is well-known for helping with big natural disasters but as I started looking into it, I found out that there is so much more, and I could not wait to be a part of it,” says Deborah.  

In 2024, she answered nearly 300 phone calls to support people impacted by small scale disasters in Manitoba and Nunavut.  

Laura Isidean

Ontario 

Laura has been volunteering with the Canadian Red Cross for 10 years. She believes that there is a role for everyone at the Canadian Red Cross. “I am surrounded by dedicated volunteers and staff who are united in their desire to help people – whether it is in managing unprecedented disruptive events or building resilience,” says Laura.  

She recently spent a day volunteering at the Canadian Red Cross Mobile Food Bank in Toronto. “Not only did we pack 100 hampers to support individuals who are unable to access a regular food bank due to disability, we had lots of fun together too!” 

Thank you to all our passionate volunteers – those featured and the many more who contribute their time and talents to make what we do at the Canadian Red Cross possible. Your generosity, kindness, and selflessness are what make the Canadian Red Cross such a resilient humanitarian community. 
 

Interested in Volunteering with the Canadian Red Cross? 

If you’re interested in volunteering with the Canadian Red Cross as a volunteer, check out available positions in your community by visiting our Volunteer page.  

Learn more about Canadian Red Cross programs and services available in your area, as well as volunteer opportunities in your community by visiting our In Your Community page.