lmr annual review 07 08200851494513

Canadian Red Cross Croix-Rouge canadienne

2007/2008 Annual Review Lower Mainland Region

Canadian Red Cross

www.redcross.ca/lowermainland

The Canadian Red Cross Society is a non-profit, humanitarian organization dedicated to improving the situation of the most vulnerable in Canada and throughout the world.

The Canadian Red Cross Society is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which includes the International Committee of the Red Cross, 186 national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Our Mission

To improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world.

Our Vision

The Canadian Red Cross is the leading humanitarian organization through which people voluntarily demonstrate their caring for others in need.

The Fundamental Principles

Humanity Impartiality

Neutrality Independence

Voluntary Service Unity

Universality

2007-2008 Annual Review – Lower Mainland Region

The 2007-2008 Annual Review is published by the Marketing and Public Affairs department of the Lower Mainland Region.

Canadian Red Cross Croix-Rouge canadienne

The Canadian Red Cross Lower Mainland Regional Council

President Shelley Milne

Vice President Cassandra Consiglio Leanne Dospital

Members Shannon Beatty Tina Berthaudin Louise Bishoff Linda Low Baljinder Narang Tom Pressello Kalpna Solanki

Supported in part by your local United Way

This annual review could not have been possible without Armada Design Group who kindly donated their services and talents to the Red Cross. Armadadesign.ca For more information, please email [email protected] or call 604-709-6626.

Lower Mainland Region 2007/2008 Annual Review Croix-Rouge canadienne 2007/2008 Annual Review

message from the council president

and the regional director

humanitarian values

We protect lives and ensure respect for the

human being Humanitarian Issues Promotion International Humanitarian Law Aboriginal Outreach Youth TAP (Training in Action Program) Community Outreach SmartStart: Multi-lingual Injury Prevention Training Restoring Family Links Detention Monitoring

disaster and conflict

We provide relief when individuals and

communities need support. Disaster Management

Table of Contents

health and injury prevention

We reduce suffering, save lives, and build safe

and healthy communities for individuals at

vulnerable times in their lives.

Swimming and Water Safety First Aid RespectED: Violence and Abuse Prevention Children’s Medical Equipment Recycling and Loan Service Medical Equipment Loan Service Aids to Independent Living Family Support Program

organizational capacity

We mobilize sufficient support and resources to

carry out our humanitarian mission.

Marketing and Public Affairs Financial Development and Planned Giving Donors and Supporters Volunteer Recognition and Community Awards

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Table of Contents

red cross annual review 2007/2008

The theme for our 2007-2008 annual review is “from unity grows”. Throughout this document you will see many examples of how the Red Cross worked together with our clients and volunteers, with non-profit agencies and govern-ment, and with our funders. This strategic, collaborative approach helped us adapt or expand our programs to ensure that they are provided effectively. The following highlights demonstrate some new collaborations that have already impacted many people in positive ways.

The BC Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance provided a one-time $2 million grant to Medical Equip-ment Loan Services in BC to improve services to clients, particularly seniors and those with disabilities. In the Lower Mainland Region, this significant contribution enhanced service delivery by expanding our equipment inventory and consolidating operations to ensure greater accessibility.

Through collaboration with 20 agencies, in September 2008, the First Contact project will provide refugee claimants with basic assistance on their arrival in Van-couver. The initiative has already established short-term housing for up to 40 newly arrived claimants and has created a fast-track system with the Ministry of

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Employment and Income Assistance to provide financial security to claimants.

The Lower Mainland Region signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Vancouver Aboriginal Friend-ship Centre Society. It encourages collaborative work on building our respective capacities in offering appropriate programs to help the Urban Aboriginal communities in the areas of violence and abuse prevention, first aid and falls prevention; emergency preparedness; and humani-tarian values.

The TELUS Red Cross Call Centre was put into action in response to the potential spring flooding throughout British Columbia. Working closely with Provincial Emergency Program, our Call Centre operated a toll-free information line providing the public with up-to-date information on the flood situation in their communi-ties. Over 900 hours of volunteer time supported this response with 100 volunteer agents receiving more than 1,900 calls during the four-week response.

Congratulations to all volunteers and staff for continu-ing to find creative ways to respond to those who seek our assistance.

shelley milne susan borthwickCouncil President Regional Director

HUMANITARIAN VALUES From unity grows humanitarian values - we protect lives and ensure respect for the human being.

The Humanitarian Issues Program provides

a combination of public education, training,

events, services and community liaison to address

the needs of vulnerable populations affected by

conflict and disaster and at risk of discrimination.

All work involved in this program is connected with

humanitarian principles and action and helps to

foster humanitarian leadership in the community.

humanitarian issues promotion

“A Story to Tell and A Place for the Telling” Series

This year saw the completion of the five-part focus on human trafficking, and the launching of the fifth season of the series, co-sponsored by the Vancouver Public Library, entitled “Taking Refuge Among Us: a Canadian Experience.” Each presentation featured a refugee story, and a panel of speakers to discuss the theme related to the story and contemporary Canadian refugee experienc-es. The themes this year included public perception and stereotypes, refugee selection process, media images, and community impact.

Introduction to the Movement Orientation Workshop

Our capacity to deliver the Introduction to the Move-ment orientation workshop for all staff and volunteers was strengthened with the training of six new

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facilitators, bringing our total to 12 for the region. The Lower Mainland Region continued to lead the evolution and rollout of this workshop, including the development of an on-line version for the Society.

World Refugee Day

The Humanitarian Issues Program partnered with various refugee-serving agencies and the Vancouver Public Library to conduct a series of activities and events throughout the day to help the public explore refugee experiences in Canada, and Canada’s role in offering them protection and assistance.

The day consisted of “How do refugees come to Canada?” with display tables by community agencies; “A day in the life of a refugee claimant”, a simulation that helped people experience for themselves what it would be like to arrive in Canada and request protection; and “Facing facts: myths and misconceptions about refugees and protection”, an evening with speakers from the

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refugee community, legal and community services and government agencies who outlined the legal and hu-manitarian response to the refugee reality. The speaker series helped explore how the public can contribute to a positive start in Canada for refugees fleeing persecution.

“Seeing Red” HIV/AIDS Campaign

After a successful launch in 2006, the Seeing Red working group continued the momentum with “The Red Reel,” a call out to young filmmakers to create short films about HIV/AIDS. The Seeing Red Campaign, a volunteer-driven initiative dedicated to raising awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS, solidified a great working relationship with Electronic Arts Games, which supported the planning, promotion, and prizes to the filmmakers. The event was a great success, reaching more than 150 people and raising funds for the Movement’s HIV/AIDS community-based programming in the Southern Africa region.

international humanitarian law (ihl)

IHL Conference

The Canadian Red Cross has joined with the University of British Columbia’s Liu Institute for Global Issues, and the Department of Foreign Affairs to work towards conducting a high-level conference on International Humanitarian Law in the 2008-2009 fiscal year. The preparatory work this year focused on identifying international experts, gathering their views, engaging them in discussion, and identifying topics for further research on current issues and challenges in the field,


which has already been conducted by graduate students. This is central to creating an outline of a policy-based conference that will illuminate critical humanitarian and legal issues at the edges of armed conflict, thus contributing to humanitarian protection and assistance worldwide.

IHL Working Group

This volunteer-driven group organized several events related to conflict and protection of civilians: a film night, an international speaker around landmines and a peace vigil.

Cluster Munitions Campaign

The Lower Mainland Region has taken the lead in developing a strategy, campaign focus and outreach tools for the Canadian Red Cross national campaign around this weapon. The campaign advocates for and raises public awareness of the humanitarian toll of cluster munitions, the need for a ban on inaccurate and un-reliable cluster munitions and support for ongoing work to reduce suffering.

Public Courses

We continued to offer unique community education around IHL with the seventh offering of the “Wars Unlimited?” ten-hour course, “Even Wars Have Limits” one-day workshop for university students, and workshops for journalism and law students at various post-secondary institutions.

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aboriginal outreach

Building on the previous year’s environmental scan and relationship building, an Aboriginal Advisor was hired in 2007. We continue to work collaboratively with Aboriginal communities and organizations to identify needs, assess partnership opportunities, and cultivate relationships and make strategic recommendations for ongoing engagement with Aboriginal communities.

In November, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed with the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society, in which both organizations agreed to build their respective capacities in offering appropriate programs and services to help the Urban Aboriginal communities in the following areas: injury prevention, including violence and abuse prevention, first aid and falls prevention; emergency preparedness; and humani-tarian values. The Red Cross also signed a MOU with multiple Aboriginal groups confirming our participation in the annual National Aboriginal Day celebration event.


youth tap (training in action program)

Youth TAP had another successful year, reaching out to a community of passionate young people and their mentors. Through workshops and events, we continued to engage youth leaders, teachers, and the general public in contemporary global issues. Workshops and events work as a catalyst, awakening a passion that had always been in the hearts of the youth we work with; they only needed someone to show them it was there. This past year, Youth TAP received the national Prix’d’Excellence, which recognizes outstanding and innovative accomplishments in the engagement of volunteers involved in direct service delivery.

The 23rd Global Issues Symposium for Youth, held annually over Remembrance Day long weekend, immersed over 92 youth in a socially-conscious atmosphere. Highly impactful experiential learning and our youth-to-youth teaching model generated a strong sense of friendship and camaraderie between the

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participants and the volunteer youth leaders.

The same model proved to be very successful with a two-day complementary conference in January called Humanity Strikes Back. We reached over 60 Lower Mainland youth – with several that came from as far away as Nelson and Kelowna. This year the conference included infor-mation on upcoming cluster munitions and malaria cam-paigns, and provided participants with electronic toolkits that contain the resources they need to put on their own fundraising and awareness building events in their home communities.

The Youth TAP volunteer working group also conducted the 5th annual Paws for Peace, an awareness and fundraising dog-walk that promotes ending the suffering caused by landmines and other weapons of war.

Eight key Youth TAP training workshops developed in

“I’ll always remember what I learned at Symposium. I now have the information, skills and resources to go on to do great things and inspire others.”

Symposium Participant

HIP Stats

People Trained 611

Training Hours 130

People Reached 2,336

Events 51

Volunteers 25

Volunteer Hours 3,474

Youth TAP Stats

Youth Trained 610

Training Hours 90

Youth Reached 2,610

Educational Trainings 52

Symposium Participants 92

Humanity Strikes Back Participants

62

Volunteers 61



the Lower Mainland Region were formatted and posted on the national intranet site, so they are now available to all Canadian Red Cross programs and staff/volunteers. The program also posted three workshops on our regional website for teachers to use with students in building awareness, knowledge and empathy around global humanitarian issues.

community outreach Community Outreach continued to strengthen the roles of the Chinese and South Asian advisory groups as well as working with diverse communities and programs around special needs and events. Additionally, the program completed a feasibility study of establishing “First Contact,” a Red Cross information and referral service for refugee claimants in partnership with over 20 agencies including UNHCR, Neighbourhood Houses, Multicultural Societies, Refugee-serving agencies and lawyers. To date, the initiative has partnered with the Salvation Army to establish short-term housing for up

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to 40 newly-arrived claimants, has agreements with border services and immigration to help claimants connect with First Contact, created a fast track system with the Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance to provide financial security to claimants, and is in discussion with governments at all levels to develop better supports for claimants so that First Contact can provide a safe and effective service starting September 2008.

The Chinese Advisory Group was thrilled to be recognized with a National Humanitarian Service Award in 2007. Our members created a second tier of consul-tants who provide specific advice as needed from the Chinese community, as well as recognition for past members as Honorary Advisors. Last year, the group hosted two visits from provincial Chinese Red Cross delegations, promoted Red Cross through popular media and events, edited Chinese translations for the region and will support the development of a Chinese public service announcements in the new year.

Community Outreach Stats


Events 36

Volunteers 29


Media Interviews 19

SmartStart: Community Access to First-Aid Stats

Workshops 143


Cultures Reached 38

Volunteers 26

Volunteer Hours 518

SmartStart: Multilingual Personal Disaster Preparedness

Workshops 55


Cultures Reached 10

Volunteers 10

Volunteer Hours 165


The South Asian Advisory Committee created an effective working relationship between the Red Cross RespectED program, and the “We Can” violence and abuse prevention campaign led by Oxfam Canada. Members also provided considerable support to the appeals for disaster relief in South Asia following torrential flooding mid-year. Of particular significance was the success in attracting funds from Service Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors project to train Punjabi and Hindi speaking senior women so they can disseminate personal disaster preparedness informa-tion to their communities. This ongoing project aims to provide and equip ten trainers and conduct 100 disaster preparedness workshops in the community in 2008.

smartstart:

multi-lingual injury prevention training

Accessing emergency information and health services can often be difficult for new immigrants, refugees, people caring for children/elderly or vulnerable populations in the Lower Mainland. SmartStart: Multi-lingual Injury Prevention Training provides training and education to these populations through SmartStart: Personal Disaster Preparedness and through SmartStart: Community Access to First Aid. Both workshops are available in 18 languages and are offered at no charge so that diverse vulnerable communities can build capacity and resiliency to help themselves and others in emergency situations. This past year, SmartStart received the Humanitarian Service Award, recognizing its exemplary use of Society

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resources to enhance the capacity of a vulnerable group to cope effectively with threats related to survival and safety, security and well-being and human dignity.

SmartStart: Community Access to First Aid

Since the launch of this initiative in 2002, the program has trained more than 12,000 individuals and contin-ues to partner with other agencies who are reaching similar vulnerable communities. Last year, Vancouver Community College built the workshop into its English Language Service for Adults curriculum, so that people who are new to the English language are prepared and safe in the event of an emergency. The program also worked closely with the University of British Columbia’s CEDAR summer program supervisors and the Sto:lo Na-tion youth to provide safety information, life saving first aid skills and injury prevention concepts to the youth leaders who, with training, increased their confidence and capacity in coping with the emergencies when they supervise First Nations children at summer camps.

SmartStart: Personal Disaster Preparedness

Launched in 2006, the workshop continues to gain recognition in the community for providing training to individuals and their families so they can be self-sufficient during a disaster of any scale. Last year, the workshop was specifically tailored for the Sto:lo First Nation, where 36 community emergency leaders in 24 bands became disaster preparedness instructors. Instructors were able to then teach their own communi-

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ties how to prepare for and what to do during a disaster, especially in preparation for the potential flooding in the spring. The program continues to reach seniors, who are most vulnerable in disasters, especially those who do not speak English. In collaboration with South Asian Senior communities in Burnaby and Vancouver and a funding from New Horizons for Seniors program, 10 Punjabi


and Hindi-speaking seniors will be trained to deliver the workshop in the new year, ensuring the community is knowledgeable, prepared and less isolated.

Restoring Family Links

The Restoring Family Links (RFL) program, whose mission is to reduce the distress of families separated as a result of conflict or humanitarian crisis, dates as far back as the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871. Red Cross staff observed then that the distress of wounded patients was reduced significantly when they were given the opportunity to communicate with their families. Thus the program continues to fulfill this mission today.

One of the cases the program handled successfully involved a client who was trying to find out what had happened to her grandmother after she was separated

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from her family during World War II when they escaped on foot from Russia. This year, using vast archives, the Red Cross initiated a search for information on the fate of our client’s grandmother and was able to inform our client that her grandmother fell ill and died one month after she was separated from her family. While this news was sad, our client was relieved to finally have an answer to the question that the entire family had been asking for over 60 years.

This is but one example of the many services the program provides to clients. RFL delivers messages to clients and helps ease the minds of those who have not heard from their loved ones for a long time due to disaster or conflict. RFL continues to focus its effort to reach vulnerable members of our community specifically the elderly. Several presentations are scheduled with senior’s homes and care facilities aimed at raising their awareness of the program and offering a service which many of them have no idea exists.

Detention Monitoring

Since 1999, the Red Cross, under an agreement with the Government of Canada, has monitored and assessed the conditions of people held in immigration detention in Canada and made recommendations for improvement.

Restoring Family Links Stats

Public Outreach Activities 2

People Reached 46

Families Reconnected 33

Cases closed Unsuccessfully

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Referrals 9

Cases Pending 111

Volunteers 1

Volunteer Hours 10

As a trusted disaster relief organization, the

Red Cross is frequently asked by the pubic for

support and response. Working closely with the

provincial government, local authorities and other

agencies, communities affected by any scale of

disasters are provided with support and expertise

by dedicated staff and volunteers.

disaster management

When disasters strikes, individuals and communities look to the Red Cross for support to respond to their urgent needs. Whether the disaster is large or small, the Red Cross is there to help alleviate some of the stress and help people get back on their feet.

With four full-time staff and a network of over 300 trained and dedicated volunteers, the Lower Mainland Disaster Management program responds to community needs through direct services such as providing support, hygiene kits and blankets; reliable and timely informa-tion through the TELUS Red Cross Call Centre; family reunification service through the Central Registration and Inquiry Bureau; and coordination with all levels of gov-ernment, local authorities, communities and other relief organization to address outstanding client needs. While the Red Cross is on the ground after a disaster strikes, the program also focuses much of its efforts to help people

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DISASTER AND CONFLICT

From unity grows disaster relief and response - we provide relief when individuals and communities need support.



prepare for emergency situations so that individuals and communities are ready when the time comes.

The Red Cross encourages personal preparedness and active involvement at community and individual levels. Collaboration provides quick and appropriate support and resources to those affected by disasters. The program is a member of the Extreme Weather Task Group and the Public Safety Education Advisory Group. With Red Cross’ large network of volunteers and experience in disaster response, we are able to be a voice for the vulnerable and can make assessments of those services not traditionally covered by the Emergency Social Service providers.

Without the dedication of volunteers, the Red Cross could not provide assistance to those that need it most. The program will continue to recruit and train volun-teers to build capacity for any disaster response, as well as to promote personal preparedness in the community.

disaster response

B.C. Spring Floods

After the official launch of the B.C. Disaster Response Centre in February 2007, the TELUS Red Cross Call Centre was activated in response to the potential spring flooding throughout the province in May and June. On behalf of the Province of British Columbia, the Call Centre operated a toll-free information line to provide the public with up-to-date information on the flood situation in the province. Using the TELUS CallCentre Anywhere application, 100 volunteer agents supported

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the response providing over 848 hours of service and receiving more than 1,900 calls during the four-week response.

Richmond Airplane Crash

On October 19th, a small plane crashed into the side of a high-rise apartment building in Richmond, which resulted in the death of the pilot, two residents injured and more than 100 residents evacuat-ed due to damaged infrastructure. To help many of the residents with no content insurance, the City of Richmond requested the Red Cross take the lead on Client Needs Assessment. Five Red Cross volunteers and the Tsu Chi Foundation volunteers worked together on the assessment and supported the City of Richmond on matching client needs with community resources.

Extreme Weather

With below average temperatures in November throughout the province, the Extreme Weather Task Group opened emergency shelter beds for the homeless population in Langley, Surrey, Port Coquitlam, and New Westminster. The Red Cross worked with local munici-

Disaster Management Stats

Courses 53

People Trained 778

Community Events People Reached

8 875

B.C. Spring Floods Stats

People Reached (Calls Answered)

1,900

Volunteers 100

Volunteer Hours 848

Richmond Airplane Crash Stats

Clients 40

Volunteers 5

Volunteer Hours 40

Extreme Weather Stats

Comfort Kits Handed Out 190

Blankets Handed Out 300

Volunteers 5

Volunteer Hours 40


palities and shelters to distribute a total of 190 hygiene kits and 300 blankets.

international appeals

Malaria

Every 30 seconds a child dies of malaria in Africa and every day malaria kills 3,000 children. Even though malaria is preventable and treatable, more than one million people die from the disease and more than 300 million people are infected every year. The most proven and cost-effective way to prevent malaria is a single insecticide-treated bed-net. A $7 bed-net is all it takes to save a life.

Since 2003, with support from the Canadian Inter-national Development Agency, the Canadian Red Cross delivered more than 3 million bed-nets to some of Africa’s most vulnerable countries. The campaign is highly effective because of the work of thousands of Red Cross volunteers in every country where nets are distributed. Working closely with the National Societies and communities in each country, the Canadian Red Cross not only delivers bed-nets but also provided measles vaccinations, vitamin A, and de-worming medicine to children under the age of five from valued international partners, as well as education to families on how to use the nets properly.

The Canadian Red Cross launched a new awareness campaign called Malaria Bites (www.malariabites.net) in November 2007.

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The launch coincided with successful distributions in Madagascar and Mali, which delivered more than 2.3 million nets in the area. Since the launch, more than 13,000 people have logged onto the site and helped purchase close to 50,000 nets for next distribution in Africa.

other international appeals

· Asia Floods · Kenya Crises · China Floods · Sudan Floods · Hurricane Dean · Peru Earthquake · Bangladesh Floods · China Snow Storm

Programs continue to reach new audiences and

increase injury prevention and health services to

the vulnerable. Working together with external

agencies who are reaching similar audiences,

the public is provided with more training and

resources to live in a safer environment.

One word summarizes the past year for Red Cross First Aid and Water Safety programs: commitment. A continued commitment to public education, research and our programs; a commitment to respond to the needs of our customers; and the commitment of first aid and water safety volunteers.

swimming and water safety

In 2007, the Red Cross Water Safety program partnered with others in the water safety industry to continue educating the public to make safe choices, prevent injuries, increase physical fitness, and assist in emergency situations.

Red Cross has partnered with the Think First Foun-dation to distribute Sudden Impact/DiveSmart DVDs and accompanying leaders’ guides. These DVDs are aimed at preventing diving-related injuries in pools and natural bodies of water. During Water Safety Week 2007, Red Cross launched the Learn to Swim...See Where it Takes You campaign with Swim Canada, Diving Canada,

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HEALTH AND INJURY PREVENTION

From unity grows promotion of health and injury prevention - we reduce suffering, save lives and build safe and healthy communities for individuals at vulnerable times in their lives.



Synchro Canada and Water Polo Canada. This campaign promoted aquatic activities and water safety.

A streamlined process for Water Safety Instructors to become First Aid Instructors was implemented this year. Another success of the past year was that Aquatic Facilities continued to choose the Red Cross Swim Program despite tighter market competition, especially several Aquatic Facilities who returned to Red Cross Swim because they recognized the strong Instructor Development and the exceptional quality of the program.

For the last four years, the Lower Mainland Red Cross, Life Saving Society and British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association have partnered with six enthusiastic facility programmers and managers to deliver two spe-cialized days of aquatic-focused training and networking. Attendance ranged from 65 - 85 participants and covered a variety of topics, from marketing aquatic programs to staff recruitment, development, and retention.

f irst aid

Red Cross First Aid saw continued growth in the number of people trained in our First Aid programs, particularly in the following programs: Emergency First Aid, Standard First Aid and CPR.

Over the past year, the Red Cross Advanced Programs were revised with the assistance of Red Cross First Aid volunteers. As a result, the Red Cross Wilderness and Remote First Aid course was launched nationally in February of 2008.

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The Red Cross worked very closely with legislative bodies during the year to verify that Red Cross First Aid Programs met provincial needs, to consult on legislative changes and to offer advice. To ensure the successful launch of the Red Cross Advanced First Aid Programs, Red Cross invested additional time in meeting with legis-lative bodies to seek provincial recognition of the programs.

First Aid injury prevention education produced two very successful events in the Lower Mainland: World First Aid day held on September 8th at the Scotiabank Theatre and the CPR Month Rescuer Awards event held in November. Similar events were held across Western Canada to promote and highlight the importance of first aid train-ing. This year a total of 26 Red Cross Rescuer Awards were presented to individuals across Canada, including six recipients in the region. These individuals had gone out of their way to save a life, prevent further injury, and/or provide comfort to the injured - highlighting the importance of first aid and water safety training.

respected: violence and abuse prevention

Since 1984, the RespectED: Violence & Abuse Prevention program has worked to break the cycle of abuse, neglect, bullying, harassment, and interpersonal violence through

First Aid Stats

People Trained 33,657

Instructors Trained 173


Special Events 4

Volunteers 15

Volunteer Hours 400

Swimming & Water Safety

Red Cross Swim Participants

90,727

Red Cross Swim Leadership Trained

2,152


prevention education and community mobilization. RespectED volunteers, staff, and partners actively engage local communities in promoting healthy relationships and creating safe environments for young people. Each year, RespectED Prevention Educators reach over 25,000 youth and adults in the Lower Mainland with prevention workshops in school and community settings. In addi-tion, we partner with other organizations and community groups on collaborative violence prevention initiatives.

This year, RespectED launched Beyond the Hurt, a comprehensive approach to bullying and harassment prevention that equips youth to deliver workshops to fellow schoolmates while also educating teachers and parents in supporting healthy youth peer relationships. Twelve schools will participate in Beyond the Hurt trainings and workshops next school year, and over 120 youth will be certified as Youth Peer Facilitators.

The RespectED program also collaborated with the African Stages Association of BC and local newcomer youth on a performing arts project called Seeds of Respect. Ten youth (aged 12-15) supported a bullying

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prevention production involving drama, dance, and song and forum theatre. The production was performed for over 500 youth in three Lower Mainland schools, and for community members at the Norman Rothstein Theatre.

After a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed nationally by the Canadian Red Cross and Assembly of First Nations in May 2007, a Coast Salish woman who volunteers for RespectED and works at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre (VAFCS) was inspired by the mission of the two organizations to tailor RespectED education for the Urban Aboriginal community. Focusing on healthy relationships and traditional teachings, she is tailoring and delivering workshops for Elders, adults and youth. Building on this work, and ongoing collaborations between the organizations, an official MOU was signed between the Red Cross and VACFS on November 8th, declaring their commitment to work together to improve the lives of the Urban Aboriginal community.

“This agreement will greatly benefit our Urban Aboriginal community as it is a demonstration of caring people working together to build safety in the community through prevention and planning. With two strong organizations who share a common vision and belief, we are working together to change lives.”

Susan Tatoosh, executive director of the vancouver aboriginal friendship centre

RespectED Stats

Youth Reached 17,848

Children Reached (c.a.r.e)

2,520

Adults Reached 2,072

Youth Workshops 602

Adult Workshops 103

Volunteers 54


Volunteers Trained 56


In response to the needs of diverse communities in the region, RespectED is increasing its capacity to offer language-appropriate and culturally relevant workshops. Volunteers deliver workshops in ESL format, and work-shops are available in Mandarin and Cantonese. Access to online training and workshops assist individuals, organizations and communities to proactively prevent violence and promote safe environments.

health equipment loan program (help)

The Health Equipment Loan Program offers a broad range of services that focus on safety, quality, and environmental stewardship. Our three programs – Children’s Medical Equipment Recycling and Loan Service, Medical Equip-ment Loan Service and the Aids to Independent Living program – work together to share expertise, resources and infrastructure so clients receive the health equipment they need to increase their safety and independence.

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children’s medical

equipment recycling and

loan service (cmerls)

The Children’s Medical Equip-ment Recycling and Loan Service (CMERLS), in partnership with the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD), provides long-term medical equipment loans to children and youth with special needs who are eligible for the Children-in-Care or the At-Home Program. CMERLS staff coordinates main-tenance and repair of all equip-ment and refurbishes returned items for other children’s use. All equipment loaned is prescribed by healthcare professionals and can include wheelchairs, walkers, positioning devices, environ-mental furniture, specialized bathing and toileting systems, therapeutic equipment and biomedical equipment.

At the community level, the Children’s Community Equipment Inventory (CCEI) provides children who are ineligible for other programs and have limited funding with equipment usually not provided by MCFD, such as adapted bikes and ramps. CCEI is funded by community recycling initiatives.

Children’s Medical Equipment Recycling & Loan Service Stats

Clients Served 1,573

Items Loaned 699

Volunteers 16


Medical Equipment Loan Service Stats

Depot Locations 12


Articles Loaned 50,140

Volunteers 388


Aids to Independent Living Stats


Articles Loaned 7,160

Volunteers 14



CMERLS continues to serve the community by work-ing closely with the Medical Equipment Loan Service and collaborating with other agencies to help identify children’s needs and source recyclable equipment. With a consolidated warehouse location in Burnaby, CMERLS expanded to serve all of British Columbia in July 2007 and reached over 70 therapists at the annual Open House event. Over 1,000 volunteer hours are donated in administration, warehouse operation and inventory management. The combined efforts of the staff, volun-teers, healthcare professionals and suppliers facilitate inclusion of children and youth with special needs in the family, school and community. CMERLS’ goal for next year is to enhance relationships with agencies serving children in the province and to increase the number of items that are provided to children in need.

medical equipment loan service (mels)

The Medical Equipment Loan Service (MELS) is a community-based, volunteer-run program that provides short-term loans of basic medical equipment to any community member recovering from illness, injury or surgery. Operating in 12 depots across the region, the program assists in rehabilitation, reduces the risk of re-injury and enhances the independence and well-being of clients through mobility items, bathroom aids and aids to daily living. The program encourages recycling of medical equipment and is supported largely by client donations.

In May 2007, MELS received a one-time, $2 million grant from the British Columbia Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance to enhance

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equipment inventory and service quality. Two Vancouver depots were consolidated into a larger and more accessible location, and five new volunteer depot leaders were appointed to improve program delivery. In addition, many pieces of new equipment were purchased and added to inventory.

We are grateful that MELS has a number of long- standing partnerships with community organizations. The North Vancouver depot is jointly-operated with the Capilano Community Services Society and the two Burnaby locations have benefited from volunteers from the Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion. Partnering with the New Horizons for Seniors Programs, MELS offered a series of 10 workshops for volunteers to explore the changing Lower Mainland demographics and experiences of new Canadian immigrants.


Nearly 300 volunteers contribute to the day-to-day operations of all depots such as customer service, admin-istration, data processing and inventory management. Volunteers have received thorough training in the past year to meet the newly established national standards of sanitization to ensure all equipment loaned is clean and safe. In the upcoming year and beyond, MELS will continue to provide quality medical equipment to com-munity members in need, improve program accessibility, and increase program awareness in Asian communities.

aids to independent living (ail)

The Aids to Independent Living (AIL) program provides long-term loans of a broad range of medical equipment to low-income adults in the region. Equipment offered promotes bathroom safety, facilitates mobility and independence, or makes life easier for caregivers. The program also serves Vancouver and Richmond palliative care patients on an urgent basis with equip-ment that assists with pain management, mobility, and personal care.

Program staff coordinates and pays for all maintenance and repair, as well as liaises between clients, vendors and health professionals to ensure clients’ needs are met. Trained Red Cross technicians deliver and set-up equipment in clients’ homes.

In the past year, AIL has established stronger relationships with partners to better meet client needs. With funding from the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, AIL re-established the Short Term Lift

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program, which allows clients to test out overhead power-lifts to determine suitability before making arrangements to secure a permanent lift. The G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre also began facilitating donations to the program from previous G.F. Strong clients, family member, excess stock, and the general public – providing opportunity for AIL to loan more equipment to those that need it most.

The focus for the program next year is to improve service delivery times by reducing equipment waitlists and to continue to implement new national standards to enhance client safety. Thank you to the following supporters who continue to provide assistance to the program: the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, the Fraser Health Authority and Providence Healthcare.


family support program

Since 1976, the Family Support Program has been help-ing patients in BC Children’s Hospital cope with serious illness and injuries by providing emotional support and practical assistance to families and/or caregivers from BC and Yukon. Working as a team with the hospital’s social workers, medical staff and the Child Life Specialists, 49 highly skilled and trained Red Cross Family Support volunteers offer emotional support, provide community resource information and visit families one-on-one. Support to families enables parents and other caregivers to focus on their first priority – the health of their child.

Casual coffee nights are set-up by volunteers in the hospital three times a week so families and caregivers have time to share their experiences. Through generous donations from the Vancouver Church of Christ, the program is also able to offer seasonal buffets to families who can’t return home for the holidays. The Kids Up Front Foundation played a key role in providing opportunities for sick kids to have some fun through distribution of unused tickets and special events – allow-ing kids to heal through socializing and family bonding.

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Following a request from the hospital staff, the program extended its services to the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit. As more hospital staff see the value the volunteers are making for families, the request for support increases, especially with diverse populations in the Lower Mainland. Fourteen new volunteers from different ethnic groups were recruited and trained last year, allowing the program to offer support in nine languages.

“Red Cross volunteers are true gems. The comfort kits have really supported our families. I had one mother that said she felt ‘loved’ and could not believe the kindness of strangers.”

Sarah Small, neo-natal intensive care unit

social worker

Family Support Program Stats

Families Reached 612

Coffee Night Visits 2,852

Volunteers 49


Support from volunteers and donors continues to

help build Red Cross’ capacity to help those that

need it most. Our work continues to grow and new

clients are reached as disasters become more fre-

quent, people require training to prevent injuries,

or principles of humanity are protected and pro-

moted to the public to build empathy and action

for vulnerable communities. We continue to help

those that need it most and increase our resources

to be the leading humanitarian organization.

marketing and public affairs

Programs continued to expand their services and reached new audiences in 2007/2008. The Marketing and Public Affairs department had a very busy year collaborating with programs to support internal and external communications tools, which included creating marketing collateral, devel-oping the web site with up-to-date information, pitching stories and responding to media requests, and supporting special events. By protecting and promoting the Red Cross brand and reputation, the department communicated to clients, donors, volunteers, supporters, media and the Canadian public on how the Red Cross is helping the most vulnerable in Canada and around the world. While the department has two full-time staff, the work of the Communications Committee is vital to supporting the

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ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY

From unity grows capacity for the work of the Red Cross – we mobilize sufficient support and resources to carry out our humanitarian mission.



department and the ongoing needs of programs in the re-gion. The Communications Committee, a volunteer group of talented professionals and students, helps promote local program activity and creates awareness of the Red Cross in general. Last year, the Committee produced the first annual World Red Cross Day event called Capturing Humanity, which involved local photographers and their depiction of Red Cross humanitarian work. The event successfully raised money for the region and promoted the work of the Red Cross to a larger demographic of young professionals in the Lower Mainland Region.

financial development and planned giving

Where Does Our Funding Come From?

Government (Incl. Gaming) 48%

United Way 15%

Donations 27%

Foundations 7%

Other 3%

How Is Our Funding Spent?

Humanitarian Values 5%

Disaster Management/ Emergency Response

9%

RespectED 7%

HELP/Injury Prevention 60%

Communications/Fund Raising 8%

Governance/Volunteer Resources

4%

Administration 7%

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planned giving

Planned Giving is often described as ‘leaving a legacy’ because donors plan to make a lasting humanitarian impact for future generations by leaving a bequest in their wills or by naming the Red Cross as a life insurance, RRSP, or RRIF beneficiary. The Lower Mainland Region Planned Giving department provides information on the various tax effective giving strategies that help donors plan a charitable legacy to meet their family inheritance and philanthropic goals.

In 2007/2008, the National Bequest Fund received more than $600,000 from Lower Mainland donors. Thirty-one individuals advised us that they have named the Canadian Red Cross Society in their wills or life insurance policies.

It is estimated, however, that almost 70% of Canadians do not have an up-to-date legal will, which means they do not have the ability to control the distribution of their estate to their chosen beneficiaries. To assist in providing further education in this area, the Red Cross is a member of “Leave A Legacy™”, a community-based public awareness campaign about the importance of having a will and the

“During World War II, my mother gave her time and energy to the Red Cross as a volunteer and this gave her great personal satisfaction. To honour her, I have decided to name the Canadian Red Cross in my will, so that your humanitarian work will continue in the future.”

Legacy Donor

Marketing & Public Affairs Stats

Media Interviews 102

Volunteers 26



significant tax benefits and personal satisfaction of leaving a gift to a charity like the Red Cross.

Stock and mutual fund donation transfers are also con-sidered “planned gifts” and these donations increased in this fiscal year due to the elimination of capital gains tax on donations of securities to a charity like the Red Cross.

donors and supporters

The generousity of donors and supporters allows the Red Cross to continue our humanitarian work. The list below indicates corporations, organizations, government ministries and agencies who donated $5,000 or above last year. Individual donors have not been listed to respect their privacy. Thank-you for supporting the Red Cross in helping the most vulnerable everywhere.

Canadian Direct Insurance

CIBC World Markets Children’s Miracle Foundation - Park Place

Commonwealth Insurance Company

Fraser Health Authority

Government of Canada - New Horizons for Seniors Program

Greenstone Production

John Hardie Mitchell Family Foundation

Loyal Protestant Association

Marin Investments Limited

North Shore Disability Resource Centre

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Phillips, Hager & North Ltd.

Porte Development Ltd.

Providence Health Care

Province of British Columbia - Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

Provincial Health Services Authority

Rockridge Secondary School

Scotiabank

Service Canada

TELUS Corporation

United Way of the Lower Mainland

Vancouver Coastal Health Authority

Vancouver Foundation

Wal-Mart Canada

volunteer recognition and community awards

Citation

Citations are used as means of giving official recognition to individuals who have given especially noteworthy services to Red Cross.

Beth Goehring family support

Jean Kirkpatrick family support


Service Award

Awarded to volunteers who have demonstrated exceptional service in enhancing existing services or was instrumental in the development of news services through delivery or support. The volunteers have consistently demonstrated initiative, resourcefulness and commitment to the Fundamental Principles.

Chiran Livera disaster management +

hip - youth tap

Youth Service

Awarded to volunteers under the age of 25 who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and service in the promotion of youth involvement in Red Cross activities.

James Park hip - youth tap

Kori Cook hip - youth tap

Rosalind Wong hip - youth tap

Rose Lee hip - youth tap

Certificate of Merit

Awarded to volunteers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their tasks and assume responsibility with the Society. The volunteer consis-tently shows enthusiasm, reliability and commitment.

Jean Duckett family support

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James Liu hip - youth tap

Certificate of Appreciation

Presented by regional programs or branches to any individual, company or organization whose volunteer contribution to the Red Cross merits recognition.

Chris Freimond communications committee

Carole Lee Martineau disaster management

Douglas Nesbitt disaster management

Effat Aboulhosn disaster management

Jeffrey Hook disaster management

Magdalen Lee disaster management

Pamela Manson disaster management

Robbin Stephens disaster management

Allana Knowlton family support

Dave Klaeboe family support

Tanys Klaeboe family support

Anne Bang Christensen community outreach

Ashok Dutta community outreach

Harminder Sanghera community outreach

Bart Dammers smartstart

Ingrid Dammers smartstart

Zahra Zavaree smartstart

Ian Lewis youth tap


Laila Rana youth tap

Marjan Jamsaz youth tap

Tasha Nijjar youth tap

Mike Shaoxi Chu respected

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP volunteer recognition

Community Service Award

Presented by regional programs or branches to any individual, company or organization whose volunteer contribution to the Red Cross on an ongoing basis, is significant and deserving of recognition.

Lindsay Thom communications committee

Calvin Comfort hip - youth tap

Logan Manor mels - agassiz

City of Burnaby mels - burnaby

Deltassist Family and Community Services

mels - delta

Hope Community Services mels - hope

Capilano Community Services Society

mels - north vancouver

White Rock Lioness Club mels - white rock

Carla Abichahine respected

Judith Hopkinson respected

Marilyn Gutierrez-Diez respected

Multicultural Family Centre respected

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Randall Schaefer respected

Milestone Awards

Presented to volunteers who have served at a branch, regional, zone or national level. Awarded recipients are awarded at 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years.

1 Year Recognition

Di Lu mels - vancouver

Farhad Maslehati mels - vancouver

Marcelline Halim mels - vancouver

Sandy Tang mels - vancouver

Savita Kaila mels - vancouver

Shuying (Nicole) Liang mels - vancouver

Carol Hall mels - white rock

Eileen Hubert mels - white rock

Judy Page mels - white rock

Jun-In Choi mels - white rock

Patricia McKenzie mels - white rock

Baljinder Narang regional council

Shannon Beatty regional council

Beverly Robertson respected

Carla Abichahine respected

Christine Chapmanl respected

Claude Ng respected


Darwin Li respected

Dongyyeob Lee respected

Ginny Wong respected

Janice Mak respected

Kenny Leung respected

Linda Lee respected

Mike Shaoxi Chu respected

Renata Rosol respected

Sandra Perrotta respected

Sophie Shih respected

Winnie Weining Li respected

3 Year Recognition

Margaret Bell mels - port coquitlam

Marnie Hennan mels - port coquitlam

Sandra Hamm mels - port coquitlam

Donna Gulbranson mels - richmond

Maggie Mak mels - vancouver

Helen Livingstone mels - white rock

Janice Lowe mels - white rock

Lesley Bruce mels - white rock

Tina Berthaudin regional council

Tom Pressello regional council

Catherine Neale respected

Judith Hopkinson respected

Ricardo Le respected

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5 Year Recognition

Robbin Stephens disaster management

Troy Conrod disaster management

Tricia Sharpe hip - youth tap

Addie Sikich mels - abbotsford

Johnny Wong mels - burnaby

Jamie Derish mels - chilliwack

Theresa Lesyk mels - chilliwack

David Brownsdon mels - langley

Jean Hill mels - langley

Dorothy Jackson mels - maple ridge

Christopher Tottle mels - north vancouver

Peggy Mathieson mels - north vancouver

Arthur Allison mels - port coquitlam

Janet N. Kincaid mels - port coquitlam

Su-Pin Li mels - richmond

Roberta Fletcher mels - surrey

Janice L. Thomson mels - vancouver

Glen Wells mels - white rock

Salvacion Fuentebella mels - white rock

10 Year Recognition

Gillian Hohmann family support

May P. Scott mels - chilliwack

Donna Gibson mels - maple ridge

From Unity Grows – this is how the Red Cross is able to help those that need it most. Thank-you to generous donors, dedicated staff and volunteers and partners in the community for your incredible support to help the most vulnerable in your own community, in Canada, and around the world. Together for humanity – you have made a world of a difference.

Canadian Red Cross Lower Mainland Region

3400 Lake City Way tel 604-709-6600Burnaby, BC V5A 4Y2 fax 604-709-6675

www.redcross.ca/lowermainland

Dawn Lovell mels - north vancouver

Rod McLean mels - port coquitlam

Aida Sheridan mels - white rock

Doris Brown mels - white rock

Doris O’Brien mels - white rock

Joy Hugh mels - white rock

Lorraine Rushton mels - white rock

15 Year Recognition

Jenny K. Chow mels - lmr office

Vera G. Grant mels - north vancouver

Cyril Maplethorp mels - port coquitlam

Margaret Anderson mels - surrey

Andy Gendron mels - white rock

Arlene Gendron mels - white rock

20 Year Recognition

Patsy McMillan family support

Ingeborg Koberstein mels surrey

Syd Tourond mels surrey

25 Year Recognition

Pam Smith mels - white rock

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lmr annual review 07 08200851494513

Documents

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