Amidst the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an organization that has chosen to go above and beyond the call of duty to help individuals, cities, and even countries to persevere. The Canadian Red Cross Society (Red Cross) has been, and continues to face adversity and fear head-on, coordinating a strong team of staff and volunteers to help support Canada in a variety of ways, both big and small. 

The Red Cross mission is to “improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world.” The Organization is built upon humanitarian values, including respect, inclusiveness, integrity, transparency, and accountability, to name a few. They pride themselves on the high level of quality and care that goes into their operations, as well as the strength of their generous donors and over 6000 volunteers. 

The Red Cross services include but are not limited to the areas of support for senior, emergency and disaster, community housing, migrant/refugee, aboriginal, nutrition and transportation, and violence, bullying, and abuse prevention. During the pandemic, the Red Cross has been working in partnership with the Canadian federal government and local municipalities to provide programs and services for vulnerable individuals and communities. Specifically, the Red Cross volunteers have been distributing food to those in need, providing comfort and care services to returning Canadians, making friendly calls to seniors and providing virtual care over the phone (Telephone Assurance Program), conducting door-to-door wellness checks, and delivering emergency relief services (Health Equipment Loan Program). 

The Red Cross has also been utilizing their resources to support other non-profit organizations across Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizations eligible for funding include those with activities focused on responding to the demand for vital goods and services, delivering vital services or programming as a result of new needs or losses, and supporting efforts to increase community awareness, information and education related to COVID-19. 

Build a Biz Kids (a.k.a. BizKids Practical Education Association) has been immensely fortunate in receiving grants this past year from the Red Cross. These grants have allowed us to provide over 1000 children across Canada, aged 6 to 13, with access to practical and engaging online education during a time when schools were closed and many households were experiencing high tension. Thanks to the grants, students were able to access 10 hours of live, two-way, interactive programming each week in areas such as coding, chess, business, graphic design, inventing, creative writing, drama, STEM, yoga, and more! 

In addition to educating children across Canada, Build a Biz Kids was also able to provide training and support to over 400 teachers, coaches, and other support workers whose duties have shifted online in order to connect with their clients and students. Courses, seminars, and workshops were provided for free to help them navigate these new methods of communication. 

With the assistance and generosity of the Red Cross, Build a Biz Kids and so many other non-profit organizations across Canada have been able to positively impact an inspiring number of individuals and communities through this trying situation. The Red Cross is a leading humanitarian organization, utilizing their resources and mobilizing their courageous employees and volunteers before, during, and after disaster occurs. They have and will continue to improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in Canada and all around the world. 

Build a Biz Kids is among those who have been touched by the generosity of the Red Cross, for which we are immensely grateful. On behalf of our entire organization, we thank you for your boundless and benevolent support through the COVID-19 pandemic; as well as in all the other situations in which your resources have made a significant difference to the lives of people in Canada and around the world. 

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Donate to the Red Cross Canadian Emergencies & COVID-19 Response Fund