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The Canadian Red Cross has a long and proud history of women involved in its humanitarian services, with more than 100 years of providing help and hope. Today, women still play a vital role in the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, in Canada and around the world. To commemorate International Women’s Day, we want to celebrate an example of two women working, learning, and leading together.  

Growing up in Newfoundland and Labrador, Linda Phillips learned about the Canadian Red Cross in school and was encouraged to be kind and help others. At the age of 10, she started to put half of her recess money - which was only five cents – in a bottle dedicated to donations to the Red Cross. 

Sixty Red Cross Red Crescent National Societies and more than 186,000 trained volunteers have been actively responding to the needs of people from Ukraine in 45 countries. It is one of the largest humanitarian responses in history and for many, life continues to be defined by uncertainty, financial hardship, and limited access to basic services. 

As a pet groomer, you work closely with pets every day, dedicating your time to keeping them happy, healthy, and looking their best. But have you ever considered what you would do if a pet in your care experienced an emergency? 

For Harrison Brooke, volunteering with the Canadian Red Cross began as an opportunity to give back to his community while learning new skills. In 2021, he joined the Friendly Calls program, a Red Cross initiative that provides people with emotional support and community connections through regular phone call check-ins. 

For the past four years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Louise. Her efficiency and sincerity never fail to impress me! Her career path led her from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) to the Canadian Red Cross. She regularly drives a truck full of equipment and manages a team of men in the warehouse. All of this intrigued me deeply.  

Awni, his wife Tahrer, and their son Yehya are all members of the Palestine Red Crescent Society’s (PRCS) emergency medical response team. They begin each day not knowing whether it will be the last time they wish one another a safe shift. Since the escalation of hostilities in October 2023, their work has taken them into the heart of the destruction in Gaza, into the remains of what were once vibrant communities. 

This summer’s wildfires in Alberta, which led to the evacuation of Jasper National Park and the closure of Highway 16, left a severe impact in the region, including small businesses that faced challenges such as structural damages, equipment loss, supply shortages and complete operational halts.