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When Mark Pettitt fundraises for his local United Way in Estevan, Saskatchewan, he always tells people that giving is important because, “you never know when you might be the one needing help.”
Little did he know that he would need assistance from the Canadian Red Cross, one of the organizations supported by the United Way Estevan, when an October fire forced his family out of their home in the middle of the night.

It was midnight on November 10, 2020. An already eventful evening, one of their three dogs was having puppies, 11 puppies. Excited by all the action, Katlin’s two young daughters, who would have normally been asleep in their own bedroom, had been up and about and were sleeping in their mom’s bed. That likely saved their lives.

Shovelling snow is like a sport unto itself! It is certainly a work-out so it’s important to know how to do it without running the risk of injury. It doesn’t take much to save you a lot of headaches (or should we say, backaches).

Winter in Canada can be very, very long… except when you’re having fun outside! Winter sports are just the ticket; they help you stay active during the cold season and make the tough months go by faster.  And while the benefits of exercise on physical health are well known, staying active can also be an effective way of ensuring good mental health.

Liane Greter is an emergency management volunteer from New Brunswick who deployed to Winnipeg, MB, where the Canadian Red Cross has been assisting some long-term care (LTC) homes with their COVID-19 response.

For a four-year-old child, receiving a package in the mail is about as exciting as it gets. So imagine the delight when a book is delivered every month. That’s the idea behind the Imagination Library of Wood Buffalo in northern Alberta. The organization delivers an age-appropriate book monthly to more than 1,800 children, from birth until they reach the age of five.

A dedicated emergency management volunteer, a passionate water safety instructor trainer and a loyal educator have received the highest award given by the Canadian Red Cross. The three Alberta volunteers were given the Order of Red Cross, which recognizes extraordinary people who have provided outstanding humanitarian service at home and abroad.

In early 2020, as measures to try to contain the spread of COVID-19 began, many of us had no idea how much our lives were about to change. Physical distancing, remote learning, lockdowns, and wearing masks would soon become a temporary way of life around the world. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel – Health Canada approved vaccines are now being distributed!