Northern British Columbia Yukon Annual Review06 07web

ANNUAL REVIEW 2006/07

NORTHERN BC & YUKON REGION

THE POWER OF HUMANITY

managing disaster & crisisRESPONDING TO BC SEVERE WINTER WEATHER

Early in the 2006/07 winter season severe wind and snow storms resulted in hydro lines being taken out and roads closed due to fallen trees. Regional Red Cross Disaster Management staff

collaborated with local governments in four rural and remote communities to assess their needs and offer help. Prolonged power outages due to the severe winter weather resulted in mass food spoilage. In support of this response, Red Cross provided short-term emergency feeding to more than 100 households.

As temperatures dropped to extreme levels, Prince George shelters experienced overcrowding. Disaster Management Emergency Response Team volunteers reached out a help-ing hand and delivered donated portable beds, blankets, hy-giene kits and winter hats, mitts & scarves to three homeless shelters.

Later in the season a fallen tree forced two Prince George families from their homes and destroyed their food supplies. Red Cross Disaster Management assisted both families with some much-needed support, including two weeks of emergency groceries.

VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM LAUNCHED

Each year, Red Cross responds to nearly 20,000 small and large-scale disasters in Canada. In recent years, disasters have driven more than four million Canadians from their homes and caused bil-lions of dollars in damage.

The Canadian Red Cross has closely examined its readiness to respond to large-scale disasters, and found that existing volunteers are stretched to the limit responding to one disaster after another. In response, a nation-wide Disaster Management training program was launched in the fall of 2006.

As part of this initiative, the Northern BC & Yukon Region:• Recruited and trained a Disaster Management Instructor Team to deliver courses to Emergency Response Team volunteers;• Transitioned existing volunteers and/or recruited 23 committed Emergency Response Team volun-teers from Prince George, Fort Nelson, Tumbler Ridge, Mackenzie and Williams Lake;• Delivered Level 1 training including courses in Intro to Disaster Services and Providing Relief Services to Clients as well as Level 2 training including courses in Standard First Aid, Preparing for Municipal Disaster Responses and RespectED-Prevention in Motion.

Matt Pretto & Joann Kennedy assembling “comfort kits” for severe weather response.

2 CANADIAN RED CROSS ANNUAL REVIEW 2006 - 07 NBCY REGION

improving the healthof the community

IMPROVED SPACE FOR TERRACE MELS DEPOT

The Northern BC & Yukon Region of the Red Cross has been collaborating with Northern Health to develop three Medical Equipment Loan Service “hubs” (Prince George, Terrace, Dawson Creek). These facilities will have the space, resources, technical and professional support needed to meet the equipment needs and service re-quirements in the “hub” communities as well as in satel-lite operations in outlying areas.

As part of this development plan, an expanded and im-proved space for the Terrace MELS Depot was secured. Northern Health offered to help by locating, renovating

The new MELS Depot in Terrace is centrally located and provides easy access to clients and thera-

equipment and a spacious wash area complete with a wash stall for larger equipment. A grand open-ing event is being planned so members of the general public, local volunteers, Northern Health rep-resentatives and the media will have a chance to celebrate this newly improved service for Northern BC residents.

ENHANCED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT DELIVERY SERVICEThe Red Cross Medical Equipment Loan Service (MELS) has launched a number of new initiatives across the re-gion to help meet the medical equipment needs of North-ern residents. Clients from Prince George and surround-ing areas can now access an enhanced delivery and installation service for equipment such as hospital beds

Additionally, residents in various communities across the region will now have access to a wider array of medi-cal equipment through a pilot project between Red Cross and Northern Health. The year-long project will see medi-cal equipment being transported on Northern Health Con-

nections buses to depots in Prince George, Burns Lake, Mackenzie, Quesnel and McBride. The goal is to improve delivery times to clients while reducing shipping costs.

Volunteer chairperson Ron Chase in front of the new Terrace MELS Depot.

MELS Technician Walter Bavis delivering medical equipment in Prince George.

CANADIAN RED CROSS ANNUAL REVIEW 2006 - 07 NBCY REGION 3

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SHOWCASING OUR WORK AT THE EVENING OF CHOCOLATE

Hundreds of northern BC & Yukon residents learned how the Canadian Red Cross is making a tangible difference in their communities at the second annual Evening of Chocolate.

The event was held in Prince George on March 3rd, 2007 and featured dozens of sinfully decadent chocolate desserts, forty silent auction packages donated by northern BC businesses, a variety of door prizes, a 50/50 draw, and an opportunity for

guests to learn more about the work of the Canadian Red Cross around the region.

In addition to the swarms of chocholics who showed their support, we’d like to thank the many sponsors, partners, contributors and volunteers who all worked together to ensure the success of the event.

telling the Red Cross story

Now’s the time for you to get involved with the world’s larg-est humanitarian organization. There are a number of ways that you can show your support:

• Volunteer your time and talents • Become a Canadian Red Cross Member• Learn more at www.redcross.ca• Make a financial contribution• Take Red Cross training either online or in person• Identify possible funding opportunities for us• Donate your gently-used medical equipment• Tell a friend about the Red Cross

get involved“Your heart swells with pride knowing you provided someone with the hope to move on.”

— Al AlcockDisaster Management volunteerWhitehorse, YT


engaging with the communityFollowing a trend within the Canadian Red Cross, the North-ern BC & Yukon Region launched a new Aboriginal Outreach program this year. Archie Patrick came on board as Aboriginal Outreach Coordinator in the fall of 2006 and Cameron Lauder joined the staff as Assistant Aboriginal Outreach Coordinator in March of 2007. The new program will improve access of Aboriginal peoples to Red Cross programs and services, and empower Aboriginal communities and individuals to be bet-ter informed, prepared, and trained to prevent and respond to emergencies or crises.

The program is focussed in the core areas of injury prevention, abuse and violence prevention, emergency management, international and humanitarian issues, and public policy and advocacy.

Red Cross movement’s recognition of the power of volunteerism and the essential need for sustain-able, resilient communities; principles that mesh well with traditional Aboriginal values of individual empowerment, community responsibility and activism. So far Archie and Cameron have been busy establishing connections within the region, conducting needs assessments and drafting a framework for the program.

This exciting new initiative will further the Red Cross mission to improve the lives of vulnerable mem-bers of our community and will help diversify staff and volunteers to be more representative of the populations with which we work and live.

Medical Equipment Loan Service 2006/07

Number of clients served: 4,712 Most popular items: wheelchairs,Pieces of equipment loaned: 8,064 walkers, raised toilet seatsre

gion

al

snapshot

DISASTER MANAGEMENT 2006/07

Emergency Response Team volunteers trained: 23Households provided with emergency services: 116

Homeless shelters receiving emergency services: 3 Communities/organizations receiving training or support: 6


regionalsnapshot

preventing violence & abuseYOUTH VOLUNTEERS LEAD THE WAY IN COMBATTING BULLYING

The quotes below are just a few of the reasons given by a group of Prince George youth when asked why they teamed up with the Cana-dian Red Cross to combat bullying and harassment in local schools.

These newly trained youth volunteers will partner with adult preven-tion educators to deliver bullying and peer harassment prevention workshops in their schools.

As bullying is a peer-to-peer problem, research has shown that peer-to-peer communication and education is one of the most effective ways of reaching young people.

Empowering youth volunteers to address the is-sues of bullying and harassment with their peers is a unique and powerful strategy for eradicating abuse in schools.

“ I was tired of being bullied just because of the

colour of my skin.”

“ I really wanted to help students younger than me, so they wouldn’t have

to go through the same stuff I went through.”Some of the youth volunteers & their teacher sponsor

schools.

PREVENTING CHILD & YOUTH MALTREATMENT IN PRINCE RUPERTEstimates indicate that one-quarter of all children are abused before they turn sixteen. Research shows that education re-duces abuse.

Ten volunteers from Prince Rupert are helping to end the cycle of violence and abuse in their community. Participants completed an extensive online training course early in 2007, followed by a two-day workshop that prepares them to deliver child and youth maltreatment prevention workshops.

Prevention educators are the key element of the RespectED:Violence & Abuse Prevention Program. They are the front line people who work with youth, adults, and communities and give them information, respect and hope.

Christine White & Arvinder Kainth training to prevent violence & abuse.


recognizing supportfrom the community

Wendy Laluk (left) presents Kyle Aben (right) with a cheque from the BC Hydro Employees’

Community Service Fund.

DONORS & SUPPORTERS 2006- 07

• All-Wood Fibre Ltd. • Bandstra Transportation Sys-tems Ltd. • BC Hydro Employees’ Community Services (Hydrecs) Fund • Big-O-Tires • Canfor • Chan Foucher LeFebvre LLP • Concept Design • David Forrest • Dis-trict of Mackenzie • G.W. Steward Architect • GrandtreeFarm Ltd. • Human Resources Skills Development Canada • IDL Projects • Keriann Harlow • Knights of Columbus • Kosick Holdings • Ladies Auxiliary Roy-al Canadian Legion, Branch #43 – Prince George • Liezl Behm • Mackenzie Rotary Club • Muriel Ramsay • PG Surg-Med Ltd. • Prince George Citizen • PrinceGeorge Community Foundation • Prince George Minor Football Association • Prince Rupert Lions Club • Prov-ince of British Columbia • Rotary Club of Whitehorse •Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #27 – Prince Rupert •Scouten & Associates Engineering Ltd. • Shaw Com-munications • Shooters Bar & Grill • SpeeDee Printers • The Hills Health Ranch • 101.3 The River • The Wolf

97FM • Wal-Mart Canada • William Kordyban •• Williams Lake Lions Club •

Kerry MacDonald (right) from Shaw Cablesystems recognizing the efforts of youth

volunteers to end bullying & harassment in their schools.

“ By partnering with the Red Cross, these kids are taking a stand against bullying. It’s been a pleasure for us to support them.”

— Kerry MacDonald Shaw Cablesystems

RespectED: Violence & Abuse Prevention 2006/07Number of youth workshops: 107 Number of youth reached: 3,196Number of adult workshops: 17 Number of adults reached: 371

Approx. numbers reached through public messaging: 171,800regi

onal

snapshot


Heidi Schlick and Buckles the Red Cross water safety mascot celebrate the 60th anniversary of the program at the Prince George Aquatic Centre.

preventing injuries througheducation & training

FIRST AID PROGRAM REVISED

A completely revised Red Cross First Aid pro-gram has been introduced. The changes were prompted in part by the release of new interna-

-

research as the basis for the changes, the new Red Cross First Aid programs were launched in September 2006.

Authorized Providers of Red Cross First Aid training have been offering upgrade courses all across Northern BC & the Yukon since the revi-sions were launched.

For more than 50 years, the Canadian Red Cross has reduced death and suffering through

-dence and skills to deal with emergency situa-tions and prevent injuries.

WATER SAFETY 60TH ANNIVERSARY

2006 marked the 60th anniversary of Cana-dian Red Cross Swimming and Water Safety programs. When Red Cross began its pro-grams in 1946, 8 of every 100,000 Canadians were victims of drowning. Today, drowning claims the lives of fewer than 1.3 Canadians of every 100,000.

To celebrate Red Cross’s dedication to safety,

and promotions were held across the North-ern BC & Yukon region; including two “Free Swim” events hosted by the City of Prince George.

The Canadian Red Cross will continue to be a leader in keeping Northern BC & Yukon res-idents safe in, on, and around the water.


NEW HAZELTON YOUTH WINS BABYSITTER HERO AWARD

In spring 2006, the Canadian Red Cross and Hudson’s Bay Company (Hbc) recognized 19-year-old Nicki Wolfenden as a Babysitter Hero. Nicki was selected as one of four national award recipients for her exemplary service as a babysitter in her community. Representatives from the Canadian Red Cross and Hbc presented Nicki with her award and a $500 Hbc gift card.

The Canadian Red Cross Babysitter Hero Award recognizes outstand-ing young people who put their Red Cross Babysitting training to work and exhibit the very best in child care. Recipients of the award go above and beyond the call of duty in providing a safe environment for the children they care for.

Since 1972, the Canadian Red Cross has trained more than one mil-lion babysitters to be prepared, fun and responsive caregivers.

Nicki Wolfenden (centre) receives her Babysitter Hero Award in Terrace.

FIRST AID & WATERSAFETY

2006/07

Water safety students trained:

20,068

Water safety leaders trained:

228

First aid practitioners

trained:10,376

First aid leaders trained:

119

regional snapshot

The Red Cross Medical Equipment Loan Service (MELS) plays a vital role in preventing falls. Providing medical equipment to

by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

To further assist our clients, 16 MELS vol-unteers from Prince George attended a

workshop this spring to learn how to reduce the risk of falling. Volunteers were eager to learn how they could further improve the health of our communities and feed-back from clients has been positive.

One in three seniors will experience a fall each year, and

half of those more than once. Seniors are injured

at home more than any other location. The bathroom and

stairs are particularly dangerous.

preventing falls


REGIONAL COUNCIL UPDATEMembers of the Regional Council work in collabora-tion with the Regional Director to ensure that the Red Cross is ready, relevant and responsive in the vast geography of Northern BC and the Yukon.

Highlights of the Regional Council’s work over the past year include:• Analysis of environmental scan information • Review of 2005/06 regional performance, Regional Operational Plan and the Society’s Strategic Plan (2005-2008)• Priorities being set that shaped the development of the 2007/08 Regional Operational Plan and Budget • Monitoring the performance of the Region against its 2006/07 Operational Plan

In addition to its planning and monitoring role, the Council was also actively engaged in a number of governance activities including the creation of a fundraising culture and the support of promotional activities to showcase the work of the Red Cross.

Perhaps of greatest note however, is the work that the Council members do in their community on a daily basis to ensure the presence of quality Red Cross service delivery, to support corporate part-nerships, and to recognize the efforts of local vol-unteers. Their humanitarian spirit and actions are very much appreciated by the entire staff team and by the many individuals who access Red Cross services.

PresidentAmar DhillonWhitehorse, YT

Vice-PresidentWendell HiltzTerrace, BC

Past-President & Zone Council Rep.Alvina BerggrenFort Nelson, BC

MemberNicole Robson-SolomonWilliams Lake, BC

MemberLinda LauderPrince George, BC

MemberShelley LawlorPrince George, BC

MemberTim AlexanderTerrace, BC

providing leadership & vision


volunteer accomplishments

ONE YEAR MILESTONE Joyce Ablett Carrol Austin Kim Aydon Helen Berg Mandeep Bhatti Margaret Black Ed Boudreau Brenda Drazdoff Claire Green Greg Jonuk Winnie Kirk Bo-Jean Larsen Mary Lewis Vivian McIntyre Catriona McLennan Norma Mitchell Linda MonkmanSue MuellerJ. Mary PaulsonClea ShogrenNeil StablesDora WhitecottonTheresa Wolstenholme

THREE YEAR MILESTONEKris ArscottHelene BoudreauConnie GouldVelma GregoryChristine LePageJoyce MartinSharleen McCroryDoreen MeermanMargaret MonkmanRex MoonFlo MynioJudy PickardSherry RavenSylvia RolphViolet SandnesKelly Walker

FIVE YEAR MILESTONEMarlene BilyAnna deMontezumaTina DonovanJean FossumMyrna GardnerCarl GustafsonLuella HadlandDoug HarshbargerShirley HarshbargerIrene IsaakYogi JorgensenKathleen Jorgensen

TEN YEAR MILESTONEFrances Yarbrough

TWENTY YEAR MILESTONEAudrey Toninato

TWENTY- FIVE YEAR MILESTONEShirley Weeks

FORTY YEAR MILESTONEMargaret Storey

Dawson Creek MELS volunteers.


REGIONAL STAFF

Chris Bone, Regional DirectorKyle Aben, Fund Development CoordinatorDena Allen, Public Affairs CoordinatorWalter Bavis, MELS TechnicianSarah Brown, MELS CoordinatorLisa Evanoff, National RespectED Training Coordinator Sherri Flavel, Disaster Management CoordinatorStefanie Hencheroff, Assistant Coordinator MELS & AdministrationCameron Lauder, Assistant Aboriginal Outreach CoordinatorArchie Patrick, Aboriginal Outreach CoordinatorClara Reinhardt, First Aid & Water Safety Program Representative (Yukon)Becky Row, First Aid & Water Safety Program Representative (Northern BC)Sandra Sawtell, Customer Service/Program ClerkPeggy Walker, RespectED Coordinator

Red Cross Northern BC & Yukon regional staff

improving the lives of vulnerable people

where to go for more info?Get the latest happenings of the Red Cross locally, across the country and around the world delivered straight to your inbox once every two months. Sign up for the Northern BC & Yukon E-News by visiting our website: www.redcross.ca/nbcyukon

CONTACT US

Canadian Red Cross SocietyNorthern BC & Yukon Region

1399 Sixth AvenuePrince George, BC V2L 5L6

Tel: 250.564.6566 Fax: 250.564.2688Toll-free: 1.800.278.7177


Documents

Northern British Columbia Yukon Annual Review06 07web