Canadian Red Cross

Photo of the Week: In #Cuba, #HurricaneRafael made history as one of the strongest tropical cyclones to ever hit the country. Despite early warning systems and preparedness efforts ahead of its landfall, the storm still caused widespread damage in several provinces and impacted more than four million people. Many are coping with the loss of their homes and livelihoods and are dire in need of humanitarian aid. The Cuban Red Cross has been on the ground supporting with rescue operations, evacuations, and providing other essential assistance. With support from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - IFRC Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF), the Cuban Red Cross is providing water, sanitation, hygiene services, and relief supplies to affected communities. Through the Emergency Disaster Assistance Fund and DREF, the Government of Canada Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada affairs ) is supporting the Cuban Red Cross as they continue providing humanitarian aid to help meet needs of those impacted. Photo Credit: IFRC Americas

As Yemen endures one of the world’s most dire humanitarian crises, severe floods from unusually heavy rains since July 2024 have affected and displaced hundreds of thousands of people. Entire communities, already grappling with years of conflict, have seen their homes, livelihoods, and essential infrastructure washed away. Families, particularly women and children, are now struggling more than ever to survive amid widespread devastation and the disruption of humanitarian services. The Yemen Red Crescent Society (YRCS) (Yemen Red Crescent), supported by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, is at the forefront of efforts to provide emergency shelter, distribute food, emergency supplies and hygiene supplies, and ensure life-saving support reaches those in need, as well help people better prepare for future disasters. With access across the country, YRCS remains uniquely positioned to help those hit hardest by this recent disaster. The Canadian Red Cross continues to support YRCS’ efforts to address urgent unmet needs and bolster preparedness. Thanks to the generosity of donors to our International Disaster Relief Fund program, the Canadian Red Cross is contributing funds to support the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - IFRC's response to the recent floods. The devastating floods are just one part of a much larger humanitarian crisis in Yemen. After nearly a decade of conflict, Yemen’s healthcare, water, systems and food security situation are on the verge of collapse. Now more than ever, Yemen needs our help. The Canadian Red Cross continues to support YRCS’s primary health care facilities and preparedness to respond to natural disasters such as floods and other emergencies. Donate to the Yemen Humanitarian Crisis Appeal to help people impacted: https://lnkd.in/ePbVJEMF Photo Credit: Yemen Red Crescent Society

The ongoing conflict in Lebanon continues to impact people across the country. Homes, hospitals, schools, and other vital infrastructure have been damaged, and large numbers of people are fleeing Lebanon to escape the escalating violence. Ambulance volunteer, Reem Hajj Ali, explains how Lebanese Red Cross has been impacted, and how they remain committed to supporting people across the region. “Despite everything, of course we are continuing. We will not leave.” Donate to the Lebanon Humanitarian Needs Appeal here brnw.ch/21wOvtf.

Canadian humanitarian expert Gwen Eamer is in Africa working as Head of Emergency Operations for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - IFRC's Mpox epidemic response. With over 40,000 suspected Mpox cases across the continent, many countries impacted by the virus are struggling to meet the increased demands on medical systems. “One of the things we do as the Red Cross Red Crescent is working on risk communication and community engagement, making sure that people have a really good understanding of who is at risk, how the virus is transmitted, and how they can protect themselves.” Thanks to the Government of Canada (Global Affairs Canada | Affaires mondiales Canada) we are able to send humanitarian experts like Gwen to help support emergency responses like the Mpox epidemic all around the world.

People in Gaza are going hungry. Basic ingredients are hard to come by and when they are available, they are often unaffordable. Recently, a kilogram of tomatoes was selling for $13; a carton of 30 eggs, $30. Mothers are skipping meals, sharing what food they do have with their children. The risk of famine continues to grow with close to 1.9 million people already facing high levels of acute food insecurity. Aid organizations are doing what they can with the limited aid being allowed in. Working with community and camp leaders, the International Committee of the Red Cross has distributed more than 230 community baking facilities to 45 locations in Gaza. When flour is available, these ovens mean staples like bread can be baked by families who are displaced, offering some respite from the pangs of hunger. Women say the ovens help them maintain a sense of dignity, are essential to their survival, and offer a beacon of hope as they can cook meals more easily, amid the harsh conditions of living in a tented camp. It’s estimated that 70,000 people benefit from the ovens every day. Photos: ICRC

Last week, we were invited to attend the annual World Tree Lighting in Jasper, a local heartwarming tradition that symbolizing hope and unity🎄❤️ The Canadian Red Cross continues to support the wellbeing and recovery journey of people impacted by the 2024 Alberta Wildfires. We are actively committed to wildfire recovery and building community resilience with our personalized recovery support for individuals and families, financial assistance for small businesses and granting programs for community organizations. The Red Cross has supported those evacuated from Jasper through financial assistance, accommodation support, emergency supplies and service referrals. Learn more: https://brnw.ch/21wPkjX

Over the last #16Days, we’ve highlighted the ongoing critical importance of addressing sexual and gender-based violence globally and right here at home. From supporting responses to wildfires this summer and ensuring communities are supported inclusively, to working with local volunteers in Türkiye, hear from Michelle Marteleira (Protection, Gender, Inclusion, and Community Engagement Manager and international delegate), about how our teams at the Canadian Red Cross are supporting those at risk of such violence and helping protect women, children and other marginalized groups before, during, and after emergencies – in Canada and around the world. Michelle shares how our dedicated are making a real difference in people’s lives through interventions, tools, training, and a community-led approach. Today, and every day, we encourage you to learn more about how to stand with survivors and advocate for the elimination of violence against women and children. Let’s continue working toward a world where everyone, everywhere feels safe and supported. 💜 #NoExcuse Learn more: https://brnw.ch/21wPjWG

With one of the highest proportions of older adults in the world, the Ukrainian Red Cross has a long-standing home-based care program that provides high-quality social care services to older adults, people living with disabilities, individuals with chronic diseases, and veterans who have been injured. These groups often experience isolation, feelings of loneliness, and reduced independence. This program aims to improve the dignity and quality of life for people requiring external support, especially those in remote areas. With support from the Canadian Red Cross, the Ukrainian Red Cross's social helpers assist with daily tasks for older adults and people living with chronic illnesses or disabilities in the Cherkasy and Poltava regions in central Ukraine. This includes shopping, household assistance, personal hygiene, accompaniment to medical visits, technical support with devices and the internet, and essential psychosocial support. The regular services and emotional support from social helpers are vital for the mental health and overall well-being of those receiving home-based care.

The end of the year is a lovely time for so many of us. But the reality is that while we count down to the holidays, thousands are counting on the Canadian Red Cross. Your donation will help us be there. Please consider this Keurig Dr Pepper Canada 3X match: https://brnw.ch/21wPicT

Today marks an important date: on 8 December 2005, Additional Protocol III to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 introduced the adoption of an additional distinctive emblem — the Red Crystal. The Red Cross, Red Crescent and Red Crystal are all protected under the law. On this day, the Ukrainian Red Cross, together with other national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies including us here at the Canadian Red Cross, want to remind every one of the importance of respecting these distinctive emblems. We also want to share our efforts to prevent the misuse of Red Cross, Red Crescent and Red Crystal by participating in a one-day cross-border social media campaign to protect the emblems. The Red Cross, the Red Crescent, and the Red Crystal are internationally recognized symbols strictly regulated as signs of neutrality and impartiality signifying protection during armed conflict under international humanitarian law. These emblems also serve as distinctive signs of affiliation with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. We join the calls today asking for recognition of the importance of these emblems and to uphold their special status in protecting lives and dignity. #ProtectEmblems