A Look at the SFU Red Cross

Joining the SFU Red Cross Club is a great way to learn about global issues and contribute to the Red Cross's international humanitarian campaigns. The SFU Red Cross Club holds a variety of events to support official Red Cross issues and campaigns. These include social events, interactive awareness stations, and fundraising drives. There are opportunities to meet new people, and gain volunteer experience both on and off campus through the SFU Red Cross Club.

During Fall semester, the Red Cross Club set up this colourful display to promote “Restoring Family Links,” a Red Cross program that assists people affected by disaster to contact their families. The club set up a table, paper maché tree, and several informative poster boards in Saywell Hall.

In November the Red Cross Club hosted a seminar about the ongoing Ebola crisis in West Africa. The evening included guest speakers, food, and a prize draw for signed Vancouver Canucks hockey sticks. All proceeds went to the Red Cross West Africa Ebola Fund.

The same month, the Red Cross Club set up an interactive table called “Reflections on water” in the AQ to promote water security awareness. Members spoke with students about the impact that water insecurity has on people around the world. Visitors also got to try their luck with the spinning wheel!

Other events in past semesters have included bake sales, a Christmas caroling fundraiser, and a large fundraising drive for victims of Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013. Many Red Cross Club members are also active in other volunteer organizations both on and off campus, making the club a fun and welcoming place to network and learn more about other organizations operating around the Vancouver area.

The SFU Red Cross Club has a dedicated, enthusiastic membership from a wide variety of volunteering backgrounds. They are always looking for new members to help out with events. If you’re interested in joining the SFU Red Cross Club, come out to their Spring Icebreaker! It’s happening Thursday January 22 in MBC Room 2290 from 6PM-7PM. The evening promises to be fun with games, friends, and free food!

For more information on the SFU Red Cross Club, click here or visit their facebook page!

Lead image provided by Nick Abasolo, SFU Red Cross Club

William Reid is a second year International Studies student at SFU. He loves meeting new people and volunteering around campus. This year, he is working in the Engagement Peer program to help fellow students get involved at SFU. To book a consultation with Will or another Engagement Peer, log on to https://myinvolvement.sfu.ca/home.htm and click “Appointments”