Earlier this month, Canadian Red Cross Vice President of International Operations, Hossam Elsharkawi travelled to Cuba after Hurricane Irma ravaged the country. Here he shares some of the experiences he had alongside his colleagues, Lai-Ling lee, Head of Americas Region and David Campfens, Regional Representative for the Americas.
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By all appearances, Klaus Winkelmann fits right in with the community of Williams Lake – a small city in British Columbia’s interior built on ranching and forestry and known for its stampede rodeo each Canada Day long weekend.
When Brad Tippe heard about small business assistance available from the Canadian Red Cross, he was quick to apply.
It’s been a summer unlike any other for the resident of Williams Lake, B.C. Not only did he have to pack up with his family and leave his home when wildfires drew close in July, but he also had to lock up his business.
In drought-stricken Ethiopia, the Canadian Red Cross is supporting the Ethiopian Red Cross Society in delivering immediate life-saving help, including safer drinking water (via water trucking and water purification), hygiene promotion and supplies, and supplementary feed for livestock.
In response to a 7.1 magnitude earthquake, the Mexican Red Cross quickly mobilized hundreds of volunteers and staff. This includes medical personnel such as nurses and doctors, 140 ambulances and 30 urban rescue unit to provide assistance to people impacted by the disaster in Mexico City and in Puebla.
Overnight on August 14, after several days of torrential rainfall, devastating floods and mudslides occurred in and around Sierra Leone's capital city, Freetown. The most affected areas are in the eastern part of Racecourse, and in the outskirts of Regent and Lumley areas.
For Virginia Monias, 61, a member of Garden Hill First Nation, it was Manitoba's changing winds that forced her out of her home.
"The smoke was coming from the south, but they were afraid the smoke would come from the west and hit Garden Hill. They were prepared for it. That's why we came to Winnipeg," said Monias, who was evacuated on September 2.
Even as they waited to hear if they could return home, BC wildfire evacuees Diane and Everett Lightfoot remained optimistic.