Media Advisory: Canadian Red Cross

Is the sector serving the most vulnerable people itself vulnerable in the event of a disaster? In the next decade, Canada can expect to suffer more severe storms, more flooding and a possible influenza pandemic. But according to the latest research by the Canadian Red Cross there are gaps in Canada's disaster safety net.

Plugging those gaps is the subject of tomorrow's sold-out meeting of disaster management experts from the Canadian Red Cross and other organizations. Media are invited to hear first-hand a summary of the research findings and how the voluntary sector plans to work together toward a more prepared sector, and ultimately a more prepared Canada.

What:             Beyond Sandbags, Generators, Masks, and Shelters:
                  The Role of the Voluntary Sector in Building Community
                  Resiliency and Emergency Preparedness

Who:              The Advisory Group for the Project to Enhance the Role of
                  the Voluntary Sector in Health Emergencies as well as
                  other voluntary sector organizations.

When:             Wednesday, August 20, 9:15 a.m. to 11a.m.

Where:            Carleton University, University Centre Room 282

9:15              Panel discussion #1
                  Speakers: Don Shropshire, Canadian Red Cross;
                  Paula Speevak-Sladowski, Carleton University Centre for
                  Voluntary Sector Research and Development
                  1. How prepared are non-profit and voluntary
                     organizations for health emergencies:
                     - To continue their essential services?
                     - To expand their services?
                     - To mobilize increased numbers of volunteers?
                  2. What are some of the barriers and challenges to being
                     fully prepared?
                  3. What are some of the best practices, tools, and models
                     that exist/ought to exist?
                  4. How can we promote the tools and resources we
                     developed?

9:35              Report back on table discussion #1.

10:00             Community Collaboration and Resiliency: Reports from
                  Edmonton, AB and Sussex, NB

10:20             Panel discussion #2
                  Speakers: Rick Hutchins, Policy Link New Brunswick;
                  Russ Dohms, Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations
                  1. What are the assets, strengths, and resources that
                     your organization has to contribute to community
                     vitality and resiliency?
                  2. How can they be identified, mobilized, and
                     co-ordinated in an emergency?

10:35             Report back on table discussion #2.

BACKGROUND

The Voluntary Sector (also referred to as the "third" or "non-profit" sector) includes social services, environment and health and education. In 2004 the non-profit sector was over seven times larger than the motor vehicle manufacturing industry, and over three times larger than each of agriculture and the accommodation and food services industry. It also exceeded the value of the entire retail trade industry (source: Statistics Canada).

More than 161,000 non-profit and voluntary organizations work year-round providing shelter, distributing food to families, supporting people with disabilities, visiting older adults, and defending human rights. Vulnerable Canadians rely on these organizations for a range of essential services and will be depending upon them even more in a health emergency or disaster.

This project is made possible by a financial contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada.