Make a difference in your community: Volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross

by Heidi Riley

The Canadian Red Cross relies on volunteers who bring their skills and experience to the organization. Volunteers help during emergencies and disasters, sit on committees and project teams, and provide customer services and office support. All these roles can make a big difference in your community.

In an average year, the Red Cross helps more than 130,000 Canadians. Their mission is to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found.

Volunteers make up more than 70 percent of the Canadian Red Cross. Volunteering can help you learn a new skill, meet new people, experience something meaningful, and offer help where help is needed.

Becoming a volunteer is a great way to stay active, apply skills, meet new people and contribute to your community while making a difference in someone’s life and gaining new experiences.

Volunteer training

• Volunteers receive the training and the support they need to make sure they have a rewarding experience.
• Access to learning modules to build and develop skills
• Orientation to the organization and your role
• Opportunity to get into the action or to work behind the scenes

Skills you can develop

• Teamwork and collaboration skills
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Problem solving and analytical skills
• Organizational skills
• Customer service and client service delivery skills

Volunteers needed the Health Equipment Loan (HELP) Program

Client Service Centers in Summerside, Charlottetown, and St. Peters are looking for volunteers to help deliver the HELP program.

HELP offers mobility, independence, and safety to people recovering from illness or surgery or who wish to spend their final days in their own homes.

HELP Client Services Volunteers provide administrative support like answering the phone and coordinating health equipment loans and returns.

There is also a need for HELP Technicians to volunteer in Summerside and Charlottetown.

HELP Technicians clean and maintain returned and used equipment and deliver and install equipment to clients across PEI.