Canadian Red Cross looking for volunteers

By CityNews Halifax Staff

The Canadian Red Cross is looking to recruit more volunteers in the Atlantic provinces.

The organization helps people impacted by floods, fires, storms and other emergencies.

Nova Scotia's disaster management coordinator Nick Williams told NEWS 95.7's The Sheldon MacLeod Show demand for their services is on the rise.

“Last summer was a huge summer for responses for the Red Cross,” he said. “Between the B.C. wildfires, refugees coming into Quebec, fires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, we're just looking to build up our capacity to support at a local level, and on a national level as well.”

Some volunteers prefer to be deployed to major events across Canada, while others would rather stay closer to home.

Williams said, with a broad range of volunteer placements, the opportunities are “limitless” within the organization.

“During Fort McMurray we did have a call centre based out of our Dartmouth office, and they were helping to support people in Alberta.”

Basic requirements include being over 18, having a valid driver's licence, a criminal check and being available to help on a rotating schedule 24 hours a day.

Volunteers would also have to take first aid and other specialized disaster training that would be provided by the Red Cross at no charge.

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