As part of the largest humanitarian network in the world, it is imperative that the Canadian Red Cross remains ready to respond if needed, domestically and internationally, as part of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Part of that readiness includes safeguarding the health and wellbeing of Red Cross staff and volunteers, their families, and communities. I am so proud of all our personnel.
Red Cross has continued to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta with cautious optimism. This includes work alongside the Public Health Agency of Canada to support returning travelers at a Calgary isolation hotel site. Additionally, the Health Equipment Loan Program provided support by assisting people’s safe recovery at home with temporary loans of health equipment. In Alberta, almost 47,000 items, such as wheelchairs, walkers, and bath aids, were loaned to people in 2021-22. The program is accessible by appointment only for the safety of the community, staff, and volunteers.
Additionally, there were 13,266 phone calls made to people in Alberta by specially trained Red Cross Friendly Calls volunteers who helped provide a sense of companionship, and links to resources in the community.
The Red Cross continues to build relationships with Indigenous leadership and communities in the province and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Siksika Nation on November 22, 2021. The Red Cross also gifted a large trailer that’s been used by the Nation since the 2013 Southern Alberta floods.
As we are all aware, emergencies and disasters happen throughout the year. Over this fiscal year, Red Cross emergency management staff and volunteers assisted more than 1,200 Albertans affected by more than 250 personal disasters, such as house fires, with basic needs like shelter, food, and clothing. Red Cross is also committed to supporting Alberta communities with Disaster Risk Reduction initiatives, including emergency preparedness workshops for 146 people.
In January 2022, Red Cross announced it was transitioning swimming and lifeguard training to Lifesaving Society Canada to direct more attention to surging humanitarian demands in other areas such as disaster and pandemic response, opioid harm reduction, and caregiving for seniors. I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has worked with, or participated in, the swimming and water safety program over the years.
I want to sincerely thank Alberta communities, partners, and donors, for your ongoing support. It is vital and allows Red Cross to continue working with people who find themselves vulnerable due to an emergency or disaster.
Jenn McManus, Vice President, Canadian Red Cross, Alberta and Northwest Territories