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We’re barely into January and this winter season has already left us yearning for tropical getaways and the relatively balmy days of spring.
Terms like frost quakes and polar vortex are being tossed about in the media to explain what we’ve been experiencing. These phenomena are not new, but what exactly are they?

In a disaster or emergency, local government and agencies can call on the Canadian Red Cross to help support the affected community by addressing their immediate needs. In a disaster, a community or family's resources can be depleted rather quickly without the support of agencies like the Red Cross...

So you’ve been feeling yucky. You might be wondering if it’s a cold or the dreaded flu that is the culprit for your cough, sniffles, and runny nose. Well, it might not bring much relief at this point, but hopefully this chart will help determine the root of your virus, and treatment approaches can differ depending on which you have. The Red Cross would like to remind all our readers that the best way to prevent both a cold and the flu is to wash your hands regularly, cover coughs and sneezes, and get the flu shot.

The Canadian Red Cross continues to support shelters and warming centres in six municipalities across Ontario. Over 400 people spent the night in Red Cross shelters or warming centres last night.

Many Torontonians who have been without power since the weekend will be spending the holidays in shelters set up across the city.

Labron lost his mom a few years ago and lives with his grandmother in a high-rise building that lost power and heat. She called 911 for help to get down the apartment stairs after two cold days. Police brought them to the Agincourt Community Center where the Red Cross has been operating a warming center.

Since the beginning of the year John Gallin has visited his local Red Cross branch in London, Ontario to donate his pocket change. Inspired during a first aid course, John decided his goal was to visit the branch every week to make his donation. In the past 12 months John has surpassed his goal of $100 and has donated almost $600 with a few weeks left still!

It's now been a little over a month since Typhoon Haiyan made landfall in the Philippines. As relief efforts continue, humanitarian operations are now moving into early recovery. The following infographic provides a look at how the Red Cross has contributed to providing emergency relief to those affected. 
The Canadian government is matching donations by individual Canadians for Typhoon Haiyan relief until December 23.