Volunteering for The Canadian Red Cross

Looking to give back to the community and meet new people? The Canadian Red Cross has over 25,000 volunteers helping them with programs every day. The effort they place on training is an example of how important volunteer involvement is to them. There are short-term and long-term opportunities as well as location-based and distance/online options. As the duration, location, and necessary skills will vary from job to job, a local Red Cross representative can work with potential volunteers to develop an idea of what they can offer and what opportunities will match well.

Students have found the volunteer opportunities as a chance to learn about team-work, gain work experience and develop additional skills. A number of positions involve customer service, data entry, event support, and administrative assistance. Any students, particularly those studying Psychology, looking to gain experience providing crisis services can find opportunities to assist with disaster relief. In some situations there may even be the possibility of an internship that matches with your current studies in school. You can review their current postings at http://www.redcross.ca/volunteer/who-is-needed.

The Red Cross supports disaster relief within Canada and internationally. They provide additional programs that may interest you based on your skills and interests. Some of the programs, to name a few, include Community Support Initiatives, Finding Family, Swimming and Water Safety, and Violent, Bullying and Abuse Prevention. Many people are drawn to volunteer with the Red Cross because of their Fundamental Principles – Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality. If this sounds like an organization you would like to be involved with, check them out at http://www.redcross.ca/.