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In the heart of the pandemic's isolation, one individual found solace in connecting with others. Dedicated and compassionate volunteer Kian started his journey into the Red Cross Friendly Calls program from a place of empathy and understanding. "I was feeling isolated and frustrated. So, I could imagine what other people were feeling during that time. It felt intuitive to volunteer with the Friendly Calls program."
 

Sexual and gender-based violence, in a nutshell, means harmful acts against a person based on their gender identity. These acts can occur in private or in public, and include things that inflict physical, sexual, or mental harm and suffering. Education is an incredibly important part of confronting and working to prevent sexual and gender-based violence. Below are some suggested readings and trainings to help you understand sexual and gender-based violence and have a better idea of how to be part of the solution.
 

Adam Boyles of St. John’s was recently honoured with a Rescuer Award from the Canadian Red Cross for intervening and performing CPR after his friend John McDermott experienced cardiac arrest on a basketball court at the YMCA in St. John’s in March 2023.

The Red Cross has always been an organization close to Murray Hill’s heart. Throughout his childhood, his father instilled in him that the Red Cross makes a difference in people’s lives all over the world. This deep reverence is what eventually prompted Murray to become a Red Cross volunteer with the Friendly Calls program.

Around the world, preventable maternal deaths, deaths among children under five years and neonatal deaths take place in areas experiencing conflict, displacement and natural disasters. According to the World Health Organization South Sudan has some of the worst health outcomes in the world.

During a challenging time in her life, Regina discovered a source of unwavering support and understanding: the Red Cross Friendly Calls program. Matched with Jan, a compassionate volunteer, Regina found solace and companionship that transcended mere words: "I felt like she knew me."

For more than 20 hours, people fleeing wildfire in Northwest Territories drove south to get to safety and plan their next steps. Michele Michetti, 29, remembers seeing flames, but it’s the people that stick out the most in her memories on the drive from Yellowknife. 

One evening in February 2022, John Uhren sat down at the dinner table with his wife and 11-month-old son and announced his return to the gym after months of working out at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. He had always been a fit, active man, accustomed to attending fitness classes. Little did he know that his first day back at the gym would change his life forever.