5

Amr is a media officer with the Palestine Red Crescent Society. Like many of his colleagues, his family has been impacted by the ongoing conflict. We first introduced Amr after his family fled the north of Gaza to Khan Younis. We connected with him again, following yet another relocation. 

For the third consecutive year, Canadian Tiffany Circle members Betty-Lou Craig and Laura Isidean have led an International Women’s Day initiative – Women Supporting Women - that is guided by the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the mission of the Canadian Red Cross. 

In October 2023, the Canadian Red Cross used its International Disaster Relief Fund (IDRF) to fund the deployment of Operations Officer Mark McCaul to support our International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) colleagues in Fiji during cyclone season.

Friendly Calls is a Canadian Red Cross program that matches people over the age of 18 with trained Red Cross personnel. Through regular phone check-ins, our program offers emotional support, healthy coping strategies, and well-being resources and services. 

While the  Friendly Calls Program provides emotional support to people experiencing loneliness and isolation in their everyday lives, what some may not know is that the program can also help participants during sudden and challenging events.

With climate change contributing to the increasing frequency of severe weather events, it's more important than ever for businesses and organizations to be prepared for the unexpected. The Canadian Red Cross, a recognized and trusted leader in emergency preparedness, is extending its expertise to support businesses and community organizations in becoming better prepared through the Ready Rating program.

It’s been two years since the escalation of the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The end of 2023 and beginning of 2024 marked the most intense hostilities since the beginning of the conflict – reminding us that the need for humanitarian support is still vital.

Vice President of International Cooperation and Programs at the Canadian Red Cross, Kelsey Lemon visited regions of Ukraine impacted by the conflict in late 2023. During her visit, she witnessed the effects the conflict continues to have on individuals, households, and infrastructure across Ukraine. 
 

The Canadian Red Cross Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal has received more than $215 million CAD donations, which includes $30 million CAD in matching funds provided by the Government of Canada. So, how are these donations being spent? The Canadian Red Cross continues to respond to the humanitarian needs of people impacted with a focus on winterization, health services, financial assistance, and relief items.

As we embrace the winter months here in Canada, many of us brave the cold and suffer from boredom. We eagerly anticipate the weather to warm up in March, April, or even later in some regions. This can bring on feelings of restlessness, frustration and, for some, utter disappointment. Many refer to this as the “winter blues.” Here at the Canadian Red Cross, we want to help you overcome them!