Red Cross Talks (Page 66)

For the second time in a matter of months, Ebola once again threatens lives in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). With an outbreak of Ebola in DRC’s North Kivu declared in August, fast response is needed to contain the disease’s devastation on communities already weakened by armed conflict. Canadian aid worker Jamie LeSueur has led the Ebola response operation for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

It’s already cold and flu season when you hear people all around you coughing and sniffling and you just hope to avoid it this year. What do you know about your contagious enemy beside the fact that it gets you down for a few days?

During times of chaos and upheaval it can be easy to lose contact with family members. The Restoring Family Links program aims  to prevent separation and disappearance, look for missing persons, restore and maintain contact between family members and clarify the fate of people considered as missing, as consequence of a disaster, conflict or migration.

When disaster strikes in Canada, the Canadian Red Cross has approximately 12,500 volunteers across the country available to help organize relief efforts. Kyle Pascuzzi is one of those volunteers.

I noticed Bertrand, Carmen and their adorable Maggie (okay let’s be honest, mostly Maggie) when I arrived at the Centre. Several metres away from the bench where they have set up camp, signs indicate that no dogs are allowed beyond the doors. I see that it’s out of the question for them to part with their beloved Pomeranian.

The Canadian Red Cross and the American Red Cross have a long-standing relationship supporting each other during large disasters. Therefore, it isn’t surprising that when Hurricane Florence first made landfall the Canadian Red Cross was ready to send staff and volunteers over to help. 

The Canadian Red Cross is working with the Cayman Islands Red Cross to help teach kids about their rights, bullying, promoting health dating relationships and more. Read how the programs work, and how we are collaborating to spread the message to young people. 

What do you think of when you hear 'first aid'? Cuts, blood, and bruises - any number of physical injuries may come to mind. Typically, first aid provides the skills to physically help save a life. However, first aid for the mind is just as important as first aid for the body. Learning psychological first aid skills for mental health crises could also save a life. This program is being introduced and offered by Canadian Red Cross training partners and online across Canada.