The Red Cross came to our rescue - Croix

Canadian Red Cross
“The Red Cross
came to our
rescue ... ”
Personal Disaster Assistance client
“They allow
you some
dignity here...”
Brooke Fraser,
Long-time client of Scarborough Drop-In Centre
Toronto Region
his past year,Torontonians continued to show their support for the
work of the Red Cross in our community and abroad. There were a
number of disasters here at home and around the world,and Red
Cross was able to provide emergency assistance with the help of our
donors and our volunteers. I have seen firsthand the difference Red Cross
has made.
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Time and time again,I am amazed at the dedication each volunteer and
staff member give to every task they undertake. As regional director,one of
the activities I enjoy the most is going to ourToronto locations and meeting
our clients. We provide food,shelter,clothing,support,and referrals – even
training. These are the tangible products that we proudly measure as
outcomes,while we continually strive to do more to meet the growing
demands for the vital services we offer. Well,let me share with you what I
am hearing from our clients. “Thanks for the tangibles – but more
importantly,thanks for giving me hope.” We can’t measure hope,we can’t
stir hope into a cup of coffee,and we can’t provide a referral to hope – we
can’t even train for hope. But we can continue to do all of the things that
make people’s lives more liveable; we
can be there when we are needed; we
can respect and serve their needs.
These collectively provide hope.
I would like to thank our partnering
agencies for your ongoing support
and I look forward to strengthening
these partnerships and fostering new
ones in the coming year.
I look forward to the possibilities and opportunities that exist that will
allow us to expand our reach to vulnerable populations within the
community. We hope that you too,will be encouraged after reading the
Toronto Region Annual Review for 2007-2008.
Bob English,Director,Regional Operations
t has truly been an honour serving as Region Council President for yet
another year. I am extremely proud of the Red Cross’s
accomplishments during 2007-2008,and I am pleased to have worked
alongside a family of very dedicated staff members and volunteers. I
want to express my sincere appreciation to the many Red Cross volunteers
who over the past year,contributed more than 50,000 hours to help meet
the needs of the most vulnerable in Toronto. What an accomplishment!
I
time,she was an active supporter of
our mission and continues to be an
inspiration to me and to others. She
encouraged others to join the Red
Cross and she always recognized the
efforts of volunteers. Marion will be
greatly missed.
Every year,I see the power of humanity growing in our communities.
Through my work and various interactions with staff,volunteers,clients
and donors,I witness generous and caring individuals coming together to
improve the lives of others. From the challenging work on the front lines,
to the relentless fundraising and public relations efforts,to the tireless
work on our Council committees,your passion for caring has made a
tremendous impact in our neighbourhoods and our society. Thank you for
all your hard work and contributions.
As you’ll see through this annual
review,the Red Cross provides many vital programs and services in our
communities. I am confident that with the continued support of our
volunteers,donors,members and partners,we will continue our work to
improve the lives of the most vulnerable in Toronto and build stronger
communities. We look forward to meeting these challenges in 2008
and beyond.
Thank you for your continued support.
This past year,we were all saddened by the passing of long-time
volunteer and Toronto Council Vice President Marion Gamester. Marion
was a dedicated Red Cross volunteer for more than 45 years. During that
Norbert Woo,Region Council President
Toronto Region Annual Review 2007/2008
Homeless Services
he Canadian Red Cross in Toronto has a number of programs and
services to assist those who are homeless or under-housed.
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Street Relief Hot Lunch Program
The Street Relief Hot Lunch program provides nutritious meals to clients
three times a week from Our Lady of Lourdes Church at Sherbourne and
Wellesley. From November to April,a hot lunch is also served to clients at
St.Andrew’s on Hayden Street. This past year,the hot lunch program
served approximately 13,000 clients. That’s an increase of more than
5,000 people in the past year. Clients are also given access to medical foot
care,and information about social services and other referrals.
Statistics
Clients served: 12,949
40 volunteers provided 2,719 hours
Mobile Food Bank
The Mobile Food Bank remains the only food bank of its kind in Ontario.
This program is available to those who require assistance but are unable
to access a traditional food bank due to mental or physical challenges.
Entering its fifth year,the Mobile Food Bank continues to increase its
ability to provide for those in need. This past year,546 clients were
provided with about 6,500 food hampers. This program would not be
possible without the support of our community partners and donors.
A special thanks to The Daily Bread Food Bank for its continued support.
The Red Cross also wishes to acknowledge Coldwell Banker Case Realty
employees,Sunnybrook School students,and students from Henry
Kesley School; all of whom hosted food drives. Eli Lily employees and
students from Henry Kesley School also collected grocery bags to aid with
hamper delivery.
The summer youth volunteer program continues to be successful. This
past year 23 youth racked up an impressive 1,274 hours of service and
helped sort food and pack hampers.
“Thank you so very much
for all the kindness and
tremendous help you
have been to me. Not to
mention your much
needed support.”
Long-time client of Mobile Food Bank
The Sue Cox Community Action Fund has also provided invaluable support
to the Mobile Food Bank with a $3,000 donation,which will help fund a
part-time employee for three months. This additional support is urgently
needed in order to meet the growing demand for this service.
Statistics
546 individuals were provided with 6,433 hampers
Adult volunteers donated 3,692 hours
23 youth volunteers donated 1,274 hours
Toronto Region Annual Review 2007/2008
“On any given day, we don’t
know when we might have to
drop everything and provide
intensive support and
assistance to an individual
who is in crisis, and our
volunteers are able to pick up
the slack and ensure all of the
day’s tasks are completed.”
Terry Harris,coordinator,Scarborough Drop-In Centre
Scarborough Drop-In Centre
The Scarborough Drop-In Centre commemorated its fifth anniversary on
January 7,2008. Since its inception,the program has experienced
significant growth. Staff and volunteers assist an average of 120 clients at
the centre every day,and that number continues to grow.
Staff and volunteers serve hot meals to clients three times a week. Clients
are also provided with referrals to social agencies,foot care,and have access
to the internet to allow them to search for jobs. The centre’s Harm Reduction
program provides needle kits and harm reduction education. The centre
provides a safe place for clients to mingle and interact with others.
Statistics
Clients served: 18,100
Meals served: 29,000
Volunteer hours: 2,552
A Volunteer’s Experience
My name is Kathleen Harris and I am a volunteer at the Scarborough
Drop-In Centre. I’ve been a volunteer at the Centre since August 2005,
and I’ve enjoyed every single moment.
As a volunteer,I register clients as they arrive,assist in food preparation
and service,help with referrals to partner agencies,distribute clothing
and TTC tokens,and help clean up at the end of the day. In general,I do
whatever needs to be done to help our clients,and I love it!
I would have to say,however,that my favourite part of the job is the
social interaction with our clients. I sit down with them over a coffee
and we share our day with each other. They are eager to share their
trials and tribulations,successes and failures,and their hopes and
dreams. Sometimes,all it takes is a friendly ear to help turn their day
from a bad one to a tolerable one.
I find my volunteer activities richly rewarding,and at the same time,a
little humbling. Every day spent in the centre is a stark reminder to me
of how difficult life can be,and how fortunate I am.
“They allow you some
dignity here. They treat
you with respect and that’s
very important.”
Brooke Fraser,long-time client of Scarborough Drop-In Centre
Toronto Region Annual Review 2007/2008
Disaster Management
uring 2007-2008,disaster management volunteers in Toronto
responded to 68 Personal Disaster Assistance (PDA) calls,assisting
281 clients with food,shelter,clothing,personal items and comfort
for the first 72 hours following the emergency.
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Some of these responses made headlines in the city. On January 5,a fire
affecting several townhouses on Franklin Avenue forced 15 people from
their homes. Two days later,on January 7,another fire destroyed a north
Toronto apartment building operated by the Toronto Housing Corporation,
killing one man and leaving several others without their belongings or a
home to return to. Then on January 11,30 people were forced from their
homes after a building collapsed on Danforth Avenue. Red Cross volunteers
responded to all three emergencies and worked alongside the city and
other NGOs to provide food,clothing and shelter to those who needed it.
Trained volunteers also provided comfort and referral services to help those
affected deal with the aftermath of losing everything.
As part of their community outreach goals,disaster management
volunteers attended several events across the city to provide information
about emergency preparedness and to recruit volunteers. The disaster
management team has formed a partnership with the Islamic Society of
Toronto; together they will develop strategies to work together toward
increased preparedness.
Red Cross continues to assist the city’s most vulnerable populations during
extreme weather. During the summer months,volunteers staff a heat
information line to provide those in need with tips on how to stay cool and
safe in hot weather. Volunteers distributed bottles of water to vulnerable
populations,and delivered water to partner agencies during extreme heat
alerts. Volunteers also assisted with the city’s cooling centres.
Canadian Red Cross in Ontario added to its disaster response fleet in 2007
by purchasing six GM Suburbans. The Suburbans will enhance the ability of
Red Cross volunteers and staff to help people affected by disasters
ranging from house fires,to floods,blackouts and more,and will enable
response to most areas of the province within two to three hours.
One of these vehicles is stationed in Toronto. The Suburban will be very
effective during house fire responses as it will provide warmth for a family
while volunteers are able to assess their immediate needs and help them
determine their next steps. The Red Cross is now seeking sponsorship to
acquire 18-foot trailers,which will be towed by the Suburbans,and will
contain cots,blankets and other response material required to quickly
establish a shelter for 200-250 people in response to large-scale disasters.
Statistics
PDA Responses: 68
Assisted 281 clients with basic necessities
Weather Alerts: 10
Extreme Weather Alerts: 5
Active volunteers: 226
Bug Out! Get the Facts on Germs
Toronto was chosen to host the
launch of Red Cross’s newest
program aimed at school-aged
children and their families. Red
Cross,along with the Ministry of
Health and Long-Term Care and the
Ministry of Education,launched Bug
Out! Get the Facts on Germs at
Sprucecourt Junior Public School in
Cabbagetown. The school-based
program,which teaches children
The Honourable George Smitherman shows students
proper hand washing technique.
about germs and how to prevent
their spread,is the first of its kind in Canada and offers free downloadable
resources ideal for teachers and families. The program was developed in
partnership with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and was
reviewed by the Minister of Education,The Hon.Kathleen Wynne. For more
information,go to www.redcross.ca/bugout.
Toronto Region Annual Review 2007/2008
Volunteer Resources
ed Cross appreciates the dedication and time given by each and every
one of its volunteers. Experienced and trained volunteers work with
Red Cross to achieve its mission to help the most vulnerable.
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On March 4,40 volunteers and staff members came together for the
second annual Volunteer Resources Management Workshop to discuss
and share ideas related to building and maintaining volunteer capacity.
The information will be compiled and used by volunteer resources to
meet program needs.
Over the past year,614 volunteers in Toronto contributed an impressive
56,149 volunteer hours.
Many of our volunteers are receiving special awards this year for their
work and commitment:
Jack Dunne
Meals on Wheels 25 years
Barbara Ward
Meals on Wheels 25 years
Jack Ward
Meals on Wheels 25 years
Doris Hollox
Administration 25 years
Leonard Richardson Meals on Wheels 25 years
Diane Hercus
Meals on Wheels 30 year milestone
In Memoriam
Marion Gamester
Gamester held several leadership positions including Chair of the Provincial
Emergency Services Committee where she spent time developing and
delivering disaster management training. She was an active member of
Toronto Region Council,serving most recently as vice president.
arion Gamester,an active volunteer with
Toronto Region,passed away on August 8,
2007 at the age of 89. She had been a
volunteer for 43 years. She first joined the Society as
a volunteer providing transportation to war veterans
residing at Sunnybrook Hospital. She also became a
key member in the“Capers Troupe”that toured
seniors’residences providing entertainment to those
unable to travel.
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Marion Gamester in 1938
Gamester remained a dedicated volunteer and vital
supporter of Red Cross throughout the years. She assisted with Canadian relief
operations following the September 11 attacks on the United States and
delivered health kits to those quarantined during the SARS crisis in 2003. She
was a regular at Toronto Region and kept busy maintaining the archives and
assisting during extreme weather alerts.
“Marion was a very committed volunteer. This was her life,”said Lucille Dent,a
long-time Red Cross employee. “She looked forward to coming to the office and
she did so almost every day.”
Gamester’s dedication was awarded time and time again. She was the recipient
of six distinguished Red Cross awards and medals including the Distinguished
Service Award and the Order of the Red Cross.
She was also the recipient of the Commemorative
Medal for the 125th anniversary of Confederation
in 1992,and the Queen’s Jubilee Medal in 2003.
She also received a Senior Achievement Award
from the Province of Ontario.
“Marion truly had a passion for the history of the
Red Cross in Toronto.She was active in
maintaining the Region’s archives,”said Gwen
Marion Gamester on the job at
Medcalf,Red Cross president for Ontario.“She
the Red Cross office
went out of her way to ensure volunteers were
always recognized,and their good works were not forgotten.”
Toronto Region Annual Review 2007/2008
Community Health Services
ed Cross Community Health Services continues to be the largest
not-for-profit provider of Homemaking/Personal Support services
in Ontario. Community Health Services staff and volunteers work
together to help people maintain their independence,comfort and
dignity despite injury or illness. The program provides clients with
personal care,home management,and companion care services.
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Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP)
HELP in Toronto has undergone major changes over the past year. Toronto
has one of three depots in Ontario that underwent construction and
redesign to ensure the highest level of quality and service for our clients.
These new facilities meet quality management standards for equipment
infection control,cleaning,and safety.
Hundreds of new pieces of assistive health devices have been purchased,
all equipment is now colour and bar-coded,and a new delivery truck
was purchased.
Statistics
Clients served: 3,565
New clients: 1,661
Pieces Rented: 5,216
Transportation
Volunteers provide pre-arranged rides for clients who are elderly or
disabled and are unable to use public transit. Toronto Region was able to
expand its transportation boundaries and can now provide rides up to 10
kilometres outside of Toronto. Service was also extended to include some
holidays including Christmas Eve,New Year’s Eve,Remembrance Day and
Family Day.
Statistics
Clients served: 870
Rides provided: 19,375
44 volunteers provided 10,610 hours
Meals on Wheels
The Meals on Wheels program delivers hot and frozen meals to
individuals unable to prepare their own. The program offers service five
days a week for a nominal fee. Red Cross remains the sole provider of this
service in Etobicoke.
Red Cross is thankful for financial support from the following:
Shell Canada - $1,000 grant
Imperial Oil - $2,000
Nissan Canada Foundation - Quest Van and $1,500
Statistics
Clients served: 849
Meals Delivered: 77,751
160 volunteers provided 19,790 hours
Toronto Region Annual Review 2007/2008
Injury Prevention
he Red Cross continues to offer the latest in first aid and CPR
training,all of which include automated external defibrillator (AED)
certification. Red Cross strives to be a leader in providing first aid
and CPR training and is pleased when someone can use their skills to save
a life.
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Red Cross’s Linda Ritchie,coordinator of the Mobile Food Bank,was proud
when she heard that one of her volunteer drivers assisted a woman in
distress last fall. Mike Rogers was presented with a Rescuer Award this
year in recognition of his heroic efforts. He was off duty in the Danforth
and Broadview area,when he noticed a woman had collapsed. He rushed
to her side to provide assistance.
“My Red Cross first aid training made the difference,”said Rogers. “I
still would have offered assistance without it,but I was calm and knew
what I could do having received the Red Cross training.I feel like I
made a difference.”
Rogers called 9-1-1,followed the operator’s instructions and stayed with
the woman until help arrived. The police officers who responded thanked
Rogers for his assistance.
“I am not surprised at all that Mike came to a stranger’s assistance,” said
Ritchie. “Mike has been a volunteer driver with the Red Cross for three
years now and is always ready to help the Mobile Food Bank whenever
he’s needed.”
Rogers joined the Mobile Food Bank program in December 2004 and since
then has recruited five friends to volunteer with the program.
“My Red Cross first aid
training made the
difference... I was calm
and knew what I could
do having received the
Red Cross training.”
Mike Rogers
Statistics
People trained in first aid/CPR: 4,054
People trained in Babysitting: 222
People trained in Leadership courses:17
People trained in advanced courses: 26
Linda Ritchie presents Mike Rogers
with his Rescuer Award.
Toronto Region Annual Review 2007/2008
International and Refugee Services
he Canadian Red Cross provides assistance to people around the world and
also right here in Toronto through its international and refugee services.
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Malaria Bites
The Canadian Red Cross’s Campaign Against Malaria was launched in
October at Sunnybrook School in Toronto. Former television broadcaster
and Much Music VJ Nam Kiwanuka joined the campaign as ambassador and
spokesperson. Kiwanuka heard of the program prior to its launch as she was
recovering from cerebral malaria after working in Sierra Leone in the
summer of 2007. Kiwanuka was eager to share her message with Canadians
about the devastating effects of malaria on people in the developing world,
and what they could do to help stop the spread of this disease.
The Malaria Bites program capitalizes on the
international network of Red Cross volunteers
to ensure the most effective distribution and
use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets. By
sleeping under these nets,the likelihood of
contracting malaria is significantly reduced. In
December of 2007,1.8 million nets were
distributed in two African countries.
Kiwanuka felt fortunate to witness the
distribution of nets in Mali this past December.
“I will never forget watching
mothers and their children lining up
at the crack of dawn in order to
receive the nets and vaccinations.”
Nam Kiwanuka
“I will never forget watching mothers and their children lining up at the crack of dawn in order to receive the nets and vaccinations. It showed how important
this net distribution program is to families in Africa where these nets would otherwise be unattainable,”said Kiwanuka.
The $7 bed net program is ongoing with another 1.3 million nets scheduled for distribution this year.
Humanitarian Issues Program (HIP)
Crimes of War 2.0 Book Launch
On Thursday December 6,the Canadian Red Cross was pleased to host the
Toronto launch of Crimes of War 2.0. Pulitzer prize-winning journalist and
editor of Crimes of War,Roy Gutman,attended the launch of this second
edition book,which aims to define major war crimes and key terms of law
within the framework of International Humanitarian Law,and
demonstrate how this relates to the conflicts of today. The evening began
with CBC anchor Brian Stewart interviewing Gutman. The audience
consisted of professionals from the media,academia,and NGO sectors.
Crimes of War 2.0 takes a fresh look at recent wars using the framework of
International Humanitarian Law. Earlier that day,Gutman also met with
local journalism students at Hart House,University of Toronto,to discuss
the importance of International Humanitarian Law for journalists
reporting on conflict.
Toronto Region Annual Review 2007/2008
First Contact
Over the past year,the First Contact program saw a significant increase in
the number of refugee claimants through its office. Staff and volunteers
assisted 1,350 new clients by referring them to partnering social service
agencies,as well as helping them find safe places to stay.
Statistics
New clients:1,350
We found shelter for 1,047 refugee claimants
We provided 13,017 units of service
Experience with First Contact
Tenzing Jigme Dekyikhangsar
Position:Community Services
Assistant,International ,Youth
and RespectED
Restoring Family Links
The Restoring Family Links program aims to reunite family
members who have been separated by conflict or disaster. Through
a network of 186 national societies and the International
Committee of the Red Cross,the Canadian Red Cross is able to
investigate and gather information in order to locate people in
other countries and connect them with their families.
Statistics
Individuals served:1,167
Units of service:1,140
New cases received:239
Referrals:675
Position Period:October 23,
2007- March 31,2008
I came to Canada as a refugee and I know how important it is for
newcomers to know what types of services and support are
available to them in a new country. As an assistant with the
International and Youth department,I was able to participate in and
witness the valuable work being done in areas of research and
youth participation on humanitarian issues.
During my short time at Canadian Red Cross,the staff and
volunteers have been very helpful and I have made great friends. I
have come to appreciate the staff and volunteers at Canadian Red
Cross who demonstrate energy,compassion and dedication every
day. I think it’s their hard work that makes Red Cross what it is
today. Even though my work term has come to an end,I will
always be involved with the Red Cross and support the great work
that they do.
Toronto Region Annual Review 2007/2008
Fund Development
Wal-Mart Days Support Local Disaster
Response
Red Cross was pleased to partner once again with Wal-Mart Canada for its
in-store bar scan event to raise funds for local disaster management
programs across the country. The month-long campaign raised an
impressive $1.4 million dollars overall,and $47,074 was raised right here
in Toronto. The Wal-Mart store on The Queensway in Etobicoke was a
fundraising leader raising more than $12,000. Wal-Mart Canada is a
national disaster response partner with Red Cross.
March Is Red Cross Month
Red Cross volunteers and Toronto Fire Fighters teamed up again this year
to raise funds and the profile of Red Cross in the community. Volunteers
and firefighters greeted commuters in Union Station on March 3 during
the morning rush hour for the annual coin drive. Firefighters held out
their boots to collect donations while Red Cross volunteers handed out
Red Cross ribbons. Volunteers also attended other TTC locations and
several events organized by Emerge Concerts to raise funds for local Red
Cross programs. The month-long campaign fetched more than $9,000.
Special Thanks
Commonwealth of Dominica, Ontario Association (Hurricane
Dean Appeal)
G.A.P Adventures and Planeterra Foundation (Peru Appeal)
Walk for Iraq Canadian Organizing Committee (Iraq appeal)
Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association (MIRCM)
The Red Cross remains the leading disaster response agency in the
world. The following is a list of emergencies from the past year to
which generous Canadian donors helped the Red Cross respond.
2007
Sudan Crisis - May 2006
Prince George Winter Floods - January
Gaspésie Flood - August
USA Tornado 2007 - May
Western Canada Flood and Severe Weather - June
Asia Floods - July 3
Sudan Floods - July 20
China Floods - August 1
Peru Earthquake - August 1
Greece Fires - August 29
Africa Floods - September 27
Mexico Floods - November 6
Bangladesh Floods - November 15
2008
Kenya Crisis - January 4
Southern Africa Floods - January 22
China Snow Disaster - February 6
Chadian Refugees Crisis - February 14
Eastern Africa Cyclone - March 14
Toronto Region Annual Review 2007/2008
RespectED
espectEd:Violence and Abuse Prevention is a volunteer-driven
program that aims to stop the hurt before it starts. The nationally
recognized,award-winning programs teach kids and adults how to
recognize the signs of abuse,dating violence and harassment and how to
get help. The Beyond the Hurt program explores all aspects of bullying
and peer harassment. This year was the first year for the national contest
Stand Up 2 Bullying. Youth across Canada were challenged to create a
public service announcement (PSA) educating their peers that by
“standing up”to bullying,they can help stop it from occurring. Statistics
show that when a friend steps in,bullying stops half the time in 10
seconds or less. The top three PSA contest winners were from Ontario.
The PSAs will be used during RespectED training and the first place PSA is
being shared with media outlets that have a youth audience.
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Toronto Region Council Members
2007/2008
President
Norbert Woo
Vice Presidents
Daniel Sumner
Heather Wilson
Youth Advisor
Trevor Lau
Councillors
Dennis Chow
Terence Frater
Kristian Justesen
Morganna Kelly
Amanda Kennedy
Jean Lam
Sherry Pedersen-Ajmani
Heather Simpson
Tim Steele
Mohamed Tabit
Andrew Welsh
Our Mission
To improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power
of humanity in Canada and around the world.
The Fundamental Principles
Humanity
Impartiality
Neutrality
Independence
Voluntary Service
Unity
Universality
For more information,please contact:
Canadian Red Cross,Toronto Region
1623 Yonge Street
Toronto,Ontario M4T 2A1
Telephone: (416) 480-2500
Fax: (416) 480-2777
www.redcross.ca
A partner in United Way
Toronto Region Annual Review 2007/2008