Ontario Zone Programs & Services Brochures - Canadian Red Cross

CONTACT USThe services of the Red Cross are madepossible with the time and energy of RedCross volunteers and the generosity of donors.Contact the Red Cross today to volunteer,donate or learn more about the programsand services available in your community.www.redcross.ca1-800-418-1111facebook.com/CanadianRedCross@redcrosscanadaor visit your local Red Cross branch.The Red Cross emblem and designation “Red Cross” are reservedin Canada by law for the exclusive use of The Canadian Red CrossSociety and for the medical units of the armed forces by the GenevaConventions Act, RSC 1985, c. G-3.Founded 1896. Incorporated 1909.(c) 2011 The Canadian Red Cross Society.National Revenue Charitable Number 11921 9814 RR0001ANYWHERE.ANYtiME.Red Cross Programs& Services in Ontariowww.redcross.caOURMISSIONThe Canadian Red Cross mission is toimprove the lives of vulnerable peopleby mobilizing the power of humanity inCanada and around the world.OUR VISIONThe Canadian Red Cross is the leadinghumanitarian organization throughwhich people voluntarily demonstratetheir caring for others in need.OUR VALUESHumanitarian values, as expressedin our Fundamental Principles;Respect, dignity and care for one anotherwithin and outside of Red Cross, andIntegrity, accountability, effectiveness,and transparency.OUR PRINCIPLESHumanity, Impartiality, Neutrality,Independence, Voluntary Service,Unity, UniversalityHERE WHEN YOUNEED USThe International Red Cross and Red CrescentMovement is the world’s largest humanitarianorganization, with approximately 100 millionvolunteers. Here in Canada, we are meetingcommunity needs each and every day throughvital programs and services. Whether ourhelp is needed across the world or across thestreet, we are there, thanks to the dedication ofthousands of volunteers as well as the financialsupport of individual and corporate supporters.We are your Red Cross.Last year in Ontario,the Red Cross:• provided 3.5 million hours of home support services• trained 358,169 participants in swimmingand water safety• loaned 30,125 pieces of health equipment to clientsthrough our Health Equipment Loan Program• delivered 298,098 meals through theMeals on Wheels program• assisted 13,169 people affected by disasters• educated 20,392 people on internationalhumanitarian issues• provided 233,283 transportation rides to clients• trained 180,106 people in first aid• reached 42,000 youth through violence andabuse prevention workshopsMany of these programs and serviceswere made possible thanks to our6,275 VOLUNTEERS

community health servicesCanadian Red Cross staff and volunteers worktogether to provide a variety of services that helppeople remain living independently in their homeswith comfort and dignity, despite injury, illness orother circumstances. Our programs are designed toenhance quality of life, support independence andprovide peace of mind. The services offered in eacharea vary according to the needs of the community.Available services may include Friendly Visiting,Meals on Wheels and the following:Personal Support & HomemakingThe Red Cross is one of the largest providersof personal support and homemaking servicesin Ontario. These services are carried out byhighly qualified staff who visit residents’ homesto provide personal care, home management,medication reminders and respite care.TransportationFrail, elderly and disabled persons in thecommunity can access transportation servicesfrom the Red Cross, in order to get to andfrom medical appointments, shopping andrehabilitation programs.HELPPeople who are recovering from injury, illness orsurgery can access medical equipment throughthe Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP).Wheelchairs, walkers, commodes, crutches andother equipment are available on a short-term basis.Improving Health Around the WorldThe Canadian Red Cross also works to improvethe health of communities around the world. Oneexample is through the distribution of mosquitonets to prevent malaria, the single leading cause ofdeath for children under five in Africa.HUMANITARIAN ISSUESAround the world, the Red Cross works to protectand promote the rights of all people affected byarmed conflict. The Red Cross is the guardian ofthe Geneva Conventions, laws that protect thewounded, the sick, prisoners of war and civilians.In Canada, the Red Cross educates Canadians oninternational issues including humanitarian lawand development efforts. The Society recruitsand trains qualified Canadian delegates forinternational field operations in countriesaffected by conflict, disaster or for long-termdevelopment missions.In times of war or natural disasters, familiesare sometimes separated when they need eachother the most. The Red Cross helps people tore-establish contact with immediate familymembers through the Restoring Family Linksprogram. Whether the separation happenedmany decades ago or more recently, theCanadian Red Cross may be able to help.DISASTER MANAGEMENTEach year, the Red Cross assists thousands ofpeople who are affected by natural or man-madedisasters such as ice storms, floods, chemical spillsand house fires. In the aftermath of a disaster, RedCross disaster volunteers ensure those affectedreceive access to shelter, food, clothing, personalhygiene items and emotional support. It is the firststep to helping families get back on their feet.In Ontario, there are more than 2,000 highlytrained volunteers who are prepared to respondat a moment’s notice when disaster strikes. Whenneeded, additional Red Cross support can beaccessed from surrounding communities andeven other provinces.The Red Cross is also actively helping communitiesprepare for and reduce the impact of disastersbefore they happen through the provision ofpreparedness workshops.As part of a global network of 186 nationalsocieties, the work and expertise of theCanadian Red Cross often extends beyondCanada’s borders. Trained Canadian personneland resources, including an EmergencyResponse Unit specializing in health, are poisedfor deployment within hours of a disaster orconflict when needed.Swimming andWater SafetySince 1946, the Canadian Red Cross has beenteaching Canadians how to swim and stay safe in,on and around the water. Water safety activitiesare offered at community pools, beaches, schoolsand summer camps to help people of all ages andabilities gain knowledge and skills in every aspectof water safety.Violence and Abuse PreventionFIRST AID & CPRFirst aid and CPR techniques help to save lives andprevent injuries. The Red Cross offers a wide varietyof courses for individuals, groups, workplaces andfirst responders. Participants learn how to preventinjuries, and to think, react and improvise in emergencysituations. Babysitting courses are held in manycommunities and teach youth how to care for childrenin a safe environment and handle emergency situations.The Canadian Red Cross aims to prevent abuse, neglect, harassment and interpersonal violence to ensureeveryone’s right to live, play and learn in a safe environment. Nationally recognized, award-winning programsteach children, youth and adults about healthy relationships, the signs of abuse, dating violence, personalsafety, bullying prevention and how to get help.Prevention educators with extensive training in abuse prevention deliver workshops to school and communitygroups, sports teams, coaches, educators and parents. The aim is to stop the hurt before it starts.The programs and services of the Canadian Red Cross are made possible by the voluntary services and financial support of Canadians.Not all branches offer all programs and services.