Unity in Gatineau

Unity. It’s one of the Red Cross’s seven Fundamental Principles and means there can only be one Red Cross or one Red Crescent Society in any one country. It must be open to all and it must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory. In other words, when you see the Red Cross, you know we’re there to provide assistance to people who need it most.
 
Since I first joined as a volunteer in 2005, I have had the privilege of working alongside fellow volunteers in six provinces, several U.S. states, Haiti and Budapest, Hungary.   Everyone I’ve worked with was indeed united in the desire to provide comfort and care to people following an emergency or disaster. I witnessed this again in May when I deployed to Gatineau, Quebec where Canadian Red Cross volunteers and staff provided assistance to 193 families forced from their homes by a rising Gatineau River.
At the height of the crisis, more than 40 roads were impassible in parts of the city.
"It went up so fast that we were in trouble," is how one homeowner described this year’s
flooding, adding that it happened much faster than in past years.
 
Sophie Parker has been with the Canadian Red Cross for three years, most recently as an Emergency Lead. She has worked to support people impacted by wildfires in British Columbia, welcomed arrivals from Ukraine at Toronto Pearson International Airport and helped operate COVID-19 vaccination clinics in several provinces. She agrees unity is a critical element in any response.
 
“Working together for a common goal and strength in numbers are critical elements which
allows us to deliver services to people in need,” says Parker.
 
In Gatineau, Parker and I worked with dedicated volunteers and staff who met with people who were forced from their homes due to floods. We helped make arrangements for emergency lodging, food, personal hygiene and other necessities. 

Many people simply appreciated having someone to talk to during a difficult time and were grateful to be guided to other services they needed.
 
As a volunteer working towards the same goals with people of similar minds provides a sense of belonging and unity. We hope those sentiments are transferrable to the people we help everyday.
 
If you are looking to volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross, please check out our opportunities here.