Canadian Red Cross

Meet Paula Muise, pictured here with Red Cross volunteer Nate Stepner. Paula was among those evacuated from Labrador City due to the wildfire. She came to Happy Valley-Goose Bay alone where she stayed at the College of the North Atlantic, one of the shelter sites run by the Canadian Red Cross. At 76 years old, Paula is not as mobile as she used to be, and uses a cane or walker to slowly get around. She’s quick to admit despite this, she tries to be as independent as possible and doesn’t like to accept help. The Canadian Red Cross has safety and wellbeing volunteers who check up on people like Paula and offer any assistance they can. Paula says volunteers kept stopping by to offer help, and while at first she kept refusing, she realized that she did actually need help. It wasn’t long before various volunteers were coming by daily, not just to help with her needs, but to just sit and chat with her. “There’s no words, totally awesome,” she said on her last day, about her connection with Red Cross volunteers. “I’ve been able to open up and get out of my comfort zone. It’s so amazing that people are willing to help.” Paula returned home on Monday, and this time she didn’t travel alone. She was gifted a Red Cross teddy bear, something she said wouldn’t be leaving her side on her journey home. “We’re a team now,” she said about her teddy she named Nate, after the volunteer who gave it to her. And Paula left with more than just her teddy bear. She was encouraged to register for the Friendly Calls Program, which matches people with trained Red Cross personnel who connect with them regularly to check in, provide emotional support, encourage healthy coping strategies, and suggest well-being resources that can help. So even in Labrador, thousands of kilometres away from those volunteers she connected with, she may still be able to stay connected.

At the request of the City of Edmonton, the Canadian Red Cross is providing assistance to Jasper residents who evacuated to Edmonton. Our staff and volunteers in Edmonton are assessing the needs of people and assisting them with accommodations and personal services. Learn more about our response: https://lnkd.in/eQWViRy5

The Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta will match donations by Canadians to the 2024 Alberta Wildfires Appeal. This means every $1 donated will become $3 to support those impacted by the wildfires. You can donate online at https://lnkd.in/d7y3Uv5A

402 times THANK YOU!🙏 Over the last few weeks, we have raised funds for our disaster relief and preparedness activities in 402 Walmart Canada stores across the country. From hurricanes and wildfires that impact entire communities, to house fires that can strike without warning, your support helps the Red Cross respond to today’s needs and tomorrow’s emergencies. Thank you to everyone who supported the campaign. Your support is vital! #RedCrossHelps #RedCrossReady

Since the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022, millions of people have fled Ukraine, with many seeking refuge in Hungary. In response, the Hungarian Red Cross has taken on managing several emergency shelters with the support of Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners, including the Canadian Red Cross. In June, Conrad Sauvé, Canadian Red Cross CEO and President, Askar Umarbekov, who leads our operations in Europe, visited a shelter in Dunaújváros to see the incredible work in action. This shelter has provided much-needed services to about 400 people in the past two years, many of whom are elderly people or people living with disabilities or chronic illnesses. In addition to providing a safe place to sleep, the shelter also offers services such as psychosocial support, health care, individual and group development courses, and hosts social and community events. Thanks to the generous donations from people living in Canada and the Government of Canada, the Canadian Red Cross can continue supporting the ongoing response to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

Following an emergency or disaster, it's common to feel sad, overwhelmed, or anxious. These are expected reactions to an extraordinary situation. It may help to: ✅ Eat healthy foods, get plenty of sleep & exercise ✅ Accept support & assistance ✅ Allow yourself to feel sad & grieve Learn more tips for coping with crisis: https://brnw.ch/21wLvPQ

Just announced: The Canadian Red Cross has launched the 2024 Alberta Wildfires Appeal. Donations will be used to help people impacted in Jasper and other affected areas in Alberta with immediate and ongoing relief. You can donate to the Canadian Red Cross 2024 Alberta Wildfires Appeal: ✅ online at https://lnkd.in/d7y3Uv5A ✅ by calling 1-800-418-1111 ✅ or by texting ABFIRES to 45678 to donate $10

Hear from Sarah Parisio, Canadian Red Cross Rapid Response Manager, who supported those impacted by wildfires in Labrador City. The Canadian Red Cross continues to support impacted residents who have now been allowed to return home. For more information on Red Cross services and to find the nearest reception centre, please visit https://lnkd.in/e-66Ku26

As part of the Walmart Canada campaign, stores across Alberta hosted barbecues and sold hamburgers and hotdogs to customers to raise money for the Canadian Red Cross. A huge shoutout to the staff who spent days in the heat and the many customers who donated and enjoyed the food.👏 Walmart Canada is the largest corporate partner of the Canadian Red Cross. The annual giving campaign in July provides much needed funds to provide disaster relief, which may include emergency lodging, clothing, food and personal items for people impacted by emergencies in Canada. Thank you to every associate and customer who contributes to help people in need.❤️ #RedCrossHelps

3️⃣ tips to protect yourself and your family during wildfire season: 1. Stay informed: Monitor weather and listen to local authorities 2. Prepare your emergency kit 3. Keep your vehicle fueled Learn more at www.redcross.ca/ready