Red Cross celebrating the work of staff and volunteers

NEWS RELEASE

CANADIAN RED CROSS

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October is Community Support Month in Ontario and the Canadian Red Cross is recognizing its staff and volunteers who work tirelessly every day to provide people in their communities with comfort, mobility, and independence.

The Red Cross has numerous programs that can make life easier for those who require extra assistance.

For example, a senior living on their own can enjoy the convenience of having nutritious meals delivered to their door.

Someone who no longer drives may need reliable transportation to take them to and from their medical appointments.

A person returning home from the hospital might look for an affordable short-term option for medical equipment such as a wheelchair or walker.

For these as well as many other services, the Red Cross can help.

Assistance with daily activities can be invaluable for those receiving the help, and provides peace of mind for the person’s family and friends.

“The volunteers and staff who work in these programs are truly unsung heroes,” said Diane Lajambe, District Branch Manager. “These services help improve the quality of life for clients who want to remain living independently in the comfort of their home.”

The Canadian Red Cross is a leader in providing community support services in Ontario.

Last year alone, the Red Cross loaned more than 10,280 pieces of health equipment, delivered 253,971 meals through volunteers, and provided close to 349,000 transportation rides to clients.

As the population of Canada continues to age, the importance of community support programs is increasing dramatically.

According to Statistics Canada, it is predicted that by 2041, 24 percent of the population of Canada will be over the age of 65.

The Canadian Red Cross is continually reviewing and growing our programs to ensure we can meet the increased need of communities.

Here in Sault Ste. Marie, the Red Cross offers Transportation, Home Maintenance and Home Help, Friendly Visiting and Telephone Assurance, Priority Assistance to Transition Home and Assisted Living .

“Volunteers play a vital role with many our community support programs,” said Lajambe. “Many of our programs wouldn’t be able to operate if it wasn’t for the dedication and support of volunteers.”

The local branch will be celebrating our volunteers in our Community Support Services and all of the branch programs at its Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on October 22, 2014.

Anyone interested in volunteer or career opportunities with Canadian Red Cross is encouraged to visit www.redcross.ca or call their local Red Cross office.

The Canadian Red Cross is a not-for-profit, humanitarian organization dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world.

It is the leading humanitarian organization through which people voluntarily demonstrate their caring for others in need.

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