DISASTER RESPONSE IN CANADA | 2017 IMPACT REPORT

When a helping hand was needed, yours was there

6,800 people evacuated after forest fires in northern Manitoba

More than 1,350 forest fires and 55,000 evacuated people in British Columbia

133,000 homes and businesses left without electricity during an ice storm in New Brunswick

261 municipalities in Quebec hit by severe spring flooding

More than 330 forest fires across Saskatchewan displacing 2,800 people in northern communities

$223 million in insured damage caused by floods in Ontario and Quebec

YEAR IN NUMBERS: DISASTERS IN CANADA

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DEAR SUPPORTERS,

It is remembered as one of the worst disasters in Canada’s history.

On the morning of December 6, 1917, a massive explosion erupted in the Halifax harbour after two ships collided. Nearly 2,000 lives were lost, and 9,000 injured.

It was in this moment, 100 years ago, that the Canadian Red Cross took part in our very first disaster relief effort. With thousands left wounded and homeless, our volunteers helped distribute relief supplies, sew bandages, and collect donations.

In the 100 years since, we have continued our tradition of being there whenever help is needed – from the Red River Flood of 1950 to the arrival of Vietnamese refugees in 1979, from the stranded travellers in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks to the Lac-Mégantic rail disaster in 2013.

In recent years, we have seen disasters hit with devastating effect across our country. In the past year alone, relentless wildfires, severe floods and fierce ice storms have forced thousands of Canadians from their homes, destroying possessions and memories, and taking away comfort and stability.

But with the care and generosity of Canadians, businesses and governments, the Red Cross has been there during these difficult times. Your support has enabled our teams to respond quickly and effectively, providing basic needs and comfort in the immediate aftermath as well as guidance and support along the road to recovery.

As we reflect not only on the past year but also the past century, we are grateful for the contributions of Canadians like you that have made all our efforts possible.

Thank you sincerely for your generous support.

Jean-Philippe Tizi Chief of Canadian Operations

“I cry because I’m grateful, cry because I’m overwhelmed. You’re coming back to nothing...and then the Red Cross extends an arm. They’re helping us with food, they’re helping us with rent, and they’re helping us to see the light at the end of the tunnel.” Pollyanna McBain, wildfire evacuee

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BRITISH COLUMBIA Wildfire evacuation

Summer 2017 will forever be etched into the memories of

many British Columbians. Some of the most devastating wildfires

in the history of the province forced over 55,000 residents

to evacuate. While some were able to return home, others

lost everything. Thanks to the generosity of Canadians, the

Red Cross was able to provide practical, financial and emotional

assistance to more than 20,000 families, representing the vast

majority of those affected.

ALBERTA Wildfire recovery

Horrific wildfires that decimated the city of Fort McMurray in May

2016 forced more than 88,000 residents to flee, leaving everything

behind. However, your generosity has helped many of them get back on their feet and given them hope

for the future. Today, this incredible support continues to be felt in

the day-to-day lives of individuals, families and entrepreneurs.

SASKATCHEWAN Wildfire evacuation

Nearly 2,900 people in central Saskatchewan

had to leave their homes when dangerous wildfires

threatened part of the province. Thanks to your

support, the Red Cross was there to help evacuees travel

to Saskatoon and Prince Albert, where they received

shelter and comfort until they could return.

ALWAYS READY FOR THE CALL FOR HELP: WHAT YOUR SUPPORT MAKES POSSIBLE

5,100+ specially trained volunteers across the country

73,000 blankets and cots stocked across the country at all times

42,000 Comfort kits in our warehouses

35,000Clean up kits ready for distribution after disaster

3,200+ Ready When the Time Comes surge volunteers to provide extra help when needed

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Your Impact From Coast to Coast

QUEBEC AND ONTARIO Flooding In spring 2017, parts of Ontario and Quebec were hit by unprecedented floods. Thousands of families who evacuated flooded neighbourhoods turned to the Red Cross. Your donations provided emergency shelter, financial assistance, food and clothing, and in many cases, much-needed emotional support.

MANITOBA Wildfire evacuation

As wildfires threatened several northern communities, the Red Cross

assisted more than 6,800 individuals, coordinating 153 flights to evacuate

affected people to the cities of Brandon, Thompson and Winnipeg. Your support ensured a Red Cross team could be deployed to register evacuees and provide emergency

shelter lodging, personal care items and the comfort they needed during

this stressful time.

NEW BRUNSWICK Ice storm In January 2017, tens of thousands of households were plunged into freezing darkness as a result of a major ice storm. Thanks to your support, impacted people were able to find refuge in shelters, receive hot meals and count on the warmth and care of Red Cross teams.

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Your support: On the scene of loss and heartbreak

Timothée Dadja is a disaster volunteer through the Ready When the Time Comes program. Thanks to our dedicated corporate partners like Desjardins and Bombardier, the Red Cross was able to count on nearly 200 additional volunteers to assist with our spring floods response in impacted communities across Quebec.

“I was really moved by the situation. There were people of all ages, including retirees who had lost everything they had worked for in a single day. When Desjardins asked us if we would be interested in volunteering, I didn’t hesitate.”

“You are so overwhelmed because you need everything – everything is gone. It wasa tough, tough time for somany people. Just knowingthat the rest of Canada wasbehind us was just amazing,and we are just grateful.”

For Christina and Chris MacKay, moving back to Fort McMurray after the devastating wildfire meant rebuilding from zero. Thanks to your kindness, the MacKays and thousands of other families received much-needed emotional support and financial assistance to help them return to their community and begin rebuilding their homes and their lives.

“On September 23, my house burned to the ground. It was a painful thing to experience. The firefighters were the first to arrive, followed by the Red Cross a few moments later. I was touched by the tremendous compassion and warmth of the volunteers. They helped and supported us through it all.”

David, from Montreal, was one of the thousands of Canadians last year who experienced the shock and devastation of seeing one’s home go up in flames. With your support, local Red Cross teams were on the scene, offering food, clothing, accommodation and emotional support during these incredibly difficult moments.

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“We kind of expected it, but not as quickly as it happened. All I remember, as you look back there, is flames shooting in the sky, probably 70 feet high. It was coming right for us.”

Everett and Diane Lightfoot own a ranch in the small community of 103 Mile House, BC. In early July, the couple received the order to evacuate their property immediately, as the flames were looming near. In less than 10 minutes, Everett and Diane had left their home with their seven dogs, cat and horses, not knowing whether they would return someday. During their three weeks away, they received vital assistance to help them through the stress and uncertainty.

1-800-418-1111 | WeCare@RedCross.ca | www.redcross.ca

Thank you for being an essential part of our disaster team

Your support ensures no Canadian ever has to face disaster alone