News Archives - GlobalMedic

World Refugee Day: GlobalMedic’s Impact on the Ground

World Refugee Day, observed on June 20, highlights the resilience and struggles of millions of refugees worldwide. This day encourages a deeper understanding of their journeys, often fraught with peril as they flee from conflict and disaster to seek safety and stability for themselves and their families. It also highlights the indispensable role organizations like GlobalMedic play in providing vital aid to these displaced populations.

Refugees face numerous challenges, from the immediate danger of conflict to the uncertainties of life in temporary camps that often lack adequate resources. The journey to a new home is complex and bureaucratic, potentially dragging on for years.

GlobalMedic has been actively involved in providing crucial support to refugees affected by the conflict in Ukraine. Immediately following the escalation of conflict in February 2022, millions of Ukrainians began fleeing the country, ending up in neighbouring countries like Romania and Moldova. GlobalMedic began responding to the needs of refugees in both countries, but as the refugee populations have shifted over the last two years the response now focuses on Moldova where more than 120,000 Ukrainian refugees are still residing. GlobalMedic has been producing food hampers locally in Moldova which are distributed weekly to Ukrainian refugees and Moldovan host families. This program has delivered more than 200,000 food hampers to families in need.

Moreover, GlobalMedic’s commitment extends beyond immediate relief in the wake of the initial conflict. The programs set up in Moldova have been running for more than two years, recognizing the long-term reality of refugees who have been displaced for such an extended time. Our response has included both robust logistics from Canada to distribute Family Emergency Kits and local procurement, significantly bolstering our capacity to provide sustained assistance.

Volunteers are the backbone of GlobalMedic’s operations. In the past year alone, volunteers contributed over 50,000 hours of their time, packing and delivering aid. The dedication of these volunteers, who come from all walks of life, fuels GlobalMedic’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to crises. Additionally, in a unique approach to fostering community and self-reliance among displaced populations, GlobalMedic has involved refugees in Moldova in their programs. These individuals support other refugees by assisting in the distribution of aid, utilizing their firsthand understanding of the needs and challenges faced by displaced communities.

This involvement not only provides practical assistance but also empowers refugees by giving them an active role in their own recovery and in supporting others experiencing similar hardships. This model of involving refugees in aid efforts exemplifies a full-circle approach to humanitarian aid, where beneficiaries become benefactors, enhancing the effectiveness and the human connection in the aid provided.

Rahul Singh reflects on the spirit and dedication of those involved, “I am proud of our team of professional humanitarians who keep the operations running smoothly despite these turbulent times. The world needs more of the solutions that our teams deliver.”

As we mark World Refugee Day, it’s crucial to acknowledge and support the efforts of organizations that are supporting refugees around the world. Their work does more than just meet immediate needs—it also lays the groundwork for long-term recovery and stability. This day is a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by refugees and the importance of sustained, community-driven support to help them rebuild their lives.

Five Reasons to Volunteer in 2024

Five Reasons to Volunteer in 2024

Volunteering is more than an act of kindness, it is an act of giving that extends well beyond the immediate impact it creates in your community. In today’s busy and quickly changing world, where even small actions lead to significant outcomes, the role of volunteers has become increasingly crucial. Volunteering is a unique blend of altruism and personal development, a space where individuals contribute meaningfully while experiencing growth in multiple aspects of their lives. It’s a commitment that not only brings change and assistance to those in need but also offers opportunities for personal enrichment and connection.

A World of Opportunity in Volunteering

Volunteering in 2024 is diverse and full of possibilities, from online actions to in-person events, it caters to a wide range of interests and skills, making it accessible and appealing to people from all walks of life. Whether it’s a student looking to gain real-world experience, a professional seeking to share their skills and give back to the community, or anyone in between, volunteering offers a pathway to new experiences and perspectives. It’s a journey that is both rewarding and enlightening, allowing individuals to explore their potential, learn new skills, and make a difference in the world.

Here are 5 reasons to volunteer today!

Skill Development and Team Building: Volunteering allows individuals or work teams to develop and enhance a variety of skills. For professionals, it’s an opportunity to apply their expertise in a new context, foster teamwork, and build leadership skills. For students and those early in their careers, it’s a chance to gain practical experience and learn from seasoned professionals. Group volunteering fosters a sense of teamwork and collaboration, enhancing interpersonal skills that are vital in any professional setting.

Personal Well-being: Participating in volunteer activities has been consistently linked to improved mental and emotional health. Volunteers often report a sense of fulfillment, happiness, and a reduction in stress levels. The act of helping others provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment, contributing significantly to overall life satisfaction and well-being.

Community Connection: One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering is the strong sense of community it builds. Volunteers often develop meaningful relationships with the people they help and with fellow volunteers. These connections lead to a deeper understanding of different cultures and lifestyles, fostering empathy and a sense of global citizenship.

Career Advancement: Volunteering can be a valuable addition to a resume. It demonstrates initiative, a willingness to take on challenges, and a commitment to social responsibility. The diverse experiences gained through volunteering can provide a competitive edge in the job market, showcasing adaptability and a broad skill set.

Personal Growth: Volunteering offers rich opportunities for self-discovery and development. It encourages individuals to step out of their comfort zones, face new challenges, and reflect on their values and goals. This self-awareness and growth are invaluable, leading to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life.

The Impact of Volunteers at GlobalMedic

At GlobalMedic, volunteers are the cornerstone of our initiatives, from addressing food insecurity in Canada through a program such as McAntony’s Menu to providing disaster relief internationally.

“Our volunteers are the driving force behind our work,” explains Jamie Cross, Senior Emergency Programs Manager. “Their dedication, skill, and compassion for others allow us to make a real difference in the lives of those we serve.” Adding to this, Denise, a volunteer with GlobalMedic shares her experience: “Volunteering with GlobalMedic has been a transformative experience. It’s not just about the time or effort given; it’s about being part of a larger movement that truly changes lives.”

A Ripple Effect of Goodness

For Denise, and the many people who donate their time to GlobalMedic, volunteering is much more than a simple act of service; it’s a powerful catalyst for positive change. Each volunteer, whether contributing to McAntony’s Menu or sharing their skills for disaster relief, plays a critical role in caring for those in need, and building a resilient community.

To be a volunteer goes beyond the immediate task at hand—it ignites a chain reaction of goodwill and impacts lives in profound ways. You’re not just giving your time; you’re making a difference across communities and borders.

Every volunteer journey starts with a single step—one volunteer, one act of kindness, one community at a time. Take yours today by visiting our volunteer page and discover how you can leave a lasting impact on the world.

Strengthening Communities Through Volunteerism: GlobalMedic’s McAntony’s Menu

In Canada, where food insecurity impacts over 18% of the population, or roughly 6.9 million individuals, innovative and community-driven solutions are essential. GlobalMedic’s McAntony’s Menu stands out as a key initiative in this fight, providing vital access to nutritious meals and addressing a critical societal need.

Volunteer Efforts Driving McAntony’s Menu

At the core of McAntony’s Menu is a reliance on volunteer efforts to address Canada’s food insecurity challenges. This program focuses on procuring, packaging, and distributing essential food items like rice, lentils, and beans. These items are selected for their nutritional value and alignment with Canadian families’ diverse dietary needs. Volunteers play a crucial role at every stage of this process.

In a thoughtful approach that respects the dignity of recipients, volunteers work collaboratively to package food items in a manner akin to retail products. They also play a key role in distributing these packages, ensuring they reach families and individuals most in need.

The program is designed not only to provide immediate food relief but also to foster community and shared responsibility. Volunteers contribute their time and skills to help McAntony’s Menu create a sustainable and impactful response to food insecurity, becoming part of a larger movement that champions compassion and proactive community engagement.

Denise, an active GlobalMedic volunteer, reflects on her experience: “Volunteering with GlobalMedic has been incredibly rewarding. It’s more than just giving time; it’s about making a tangible difference and connecting with like-minded individuals.” This sentiment aligns with research showing that volunteering offers a sense of purpose and can significantly enhance life satisfaction and self-esteem, particularly when engaging in meaningful activities.

An person volunteering to pack green peas for our McAntony's Menu program

Community Support: A Pillar of Success

The effectiveness of McAntony’s Menu is also bolstered by strong community support. Contributions from local businesses, schools, and individual supporters are vital, ensuring the initiative’s continued success in combating food insecurity.

Volunteering has been linked to notable health benefits for participants, including improved physical and mental health. Volunteers often report better health outcomes and lower rates of depression and anxiety than non-volunteers, especially beneficial for older adults. This enhancement in well-being is largely attributed to the stress reduction and positive emotions associated with helping others.

Moreover, volunteering expands social interaction and aids in building networks based on shared values, further strengthening the community support system.

The ripple effect of volunteering extends well beyond the immediate task at hand, inspiring others to contribute and highlighting the power of collective action in addressing significant societal issues. Ultimately, it centres on meeting the needs of those affected by food insecurity.

Sustainability at the Heart of McAntony’s Menu

McAntony’s Menu offers a sustainable approach to food insecurity by providing nutritious and culturally diverse food options, addressing the essential need for appropriate food access.

There are various ways to support McAntony’s Menu. Donations are crucial as they enable the purchase of food supplies and support the operational aspects of the program. Individuals and organizations can contribute financially or donate food items. Each contribution, regardless of size, makes a significant impact.

To donate, visit GlobalMedic.ca/donate or contact our office directly. Those interested in volunteering can find information on opportunities and registration at GlobalMedic.ca/volunteer.

GlobalMedic’s McAntony’s Menu demonstrates the profound impact of community involvement in addressing food insecurity. It represents a commitment that transcends immediate aid, focusing on building resilience and empowering communities. The program exemplifies how unified efforts can create lasting, positive changes for individuals and communities facing food insecurity.

GlobalMedic’s McAntony’s Menu: Addressing the Growing Challenge of Food Insecurity in Canada

Food insecurity in Canada is an increasingly critical issue, affecting a broad swath of the population. As of recent reports, over 18% of Canadians, amounting to 6.9 million individuals, struggle with food insecurity. This alarming statistic highlights a hidden crisis in a nation known for its prosperity and abundance. The challenge is not just the scarcity of food but also the lack of access to nutritious, affordable, and culturally appropriate food options.

The pandemic exacerbated this issue, leading to a significant rise in first-time users of food assistance programs. This uptrend indicates that food insecurity is not limited to traditionally vulnerable populations but with rapidly rising prices, it is a concern that can affect anyone.

McAntony’s Menu: A Compassionate Initiative

GlobalMedic, recognizing the gravity of this situation, introduced McAntony’s Menu in 2020. This program, a key component of GlobalMedic’s Grassroots Revolution, demonstrates a commitment to addressing food insecurity through practical and sustainable solutions. By leveraging the power of community volunteers, McAntony’s Menu efficiently packages and distributes essential pantry items such as rice, lentils, and beans. These staples are not only nutritious but also culturally versatile, catering to the diverse dietary needs of Canadian families.

What makes McAntony’s Menu unique is its approach to delivering food aid. The program focuses on preserving the dignity of recipients by packaging food in a manner akin to retail products. This thoughtful design choice ensures that those who receive aid do not feel stigmatized, maintaining their sense of normalcy and self-respect.

The impact of food insecurity goes beyond hunger. It’s linked to various health problems, including increased risks of chronic diseases and mental health issues. Food insecure households face healthcare costs up to 121% higher compared to those who are food secure. Moreover, families often face tough choices, such as skipping meals to pay for rent or transportation. These decisions have long-term implications on their health and well-being.

GlobalMedic’s response to this crisis through McAntony’s Menu has been impactful. Since its launch, the program has delivered almost 4 million pounds of food, directly aiding countless families and individuals facing food insecurity. The program’s adaptability ensures it can respond effectively to the changing needs of the communities it serves.

The Impact of Volunteers

Volunteerism is the driving force of McAntony’s Menu, providing an invaluable source of strength and support. These selfless individuals do far more than pack food; they embody the spirit of community and collective action. Each volunteer brings unique skills and enthusiasm, turning a simple act of packing food into a powerful statement of care. Their dedication and tireless efforts are crucial in extending the reach of McAntony’s Menu, allowing the program to touch more lives and communities. These compassionate volunteers demonstrate the profound impact that united, community-driven efforts can have in confronting and overcoming the significant challenge of food insecurity. Their commitment not only fuels the program’s success but also inspires hope and a sense of togetherness, reinforcing the idea that we are stronger when we work together for the common good.

Joining Forces for Change

As we confront the realities of food insecurity in Canada, it’s crucial to recognize that solutions must be multi-faceted and inclusive. While immediate food aid is essential, long-term strategies focusing on improving access to affordable, nutritious food are equally important. Advocacy to address the root causes of food insecurity, such as poverty and inequality, is also vital.

Global Medic invites you to be a part of this meaningful journey. Whether you are a volunteer, donor, or advocate, your contribution makes a significant difference. Together, we can work towards a future where food security is a reality for all Canadians. Your support enables us to continue our mission, expand our reach, and create lasting change in the lives of those we serve.

With McAntony’s Menu, we are not just feeding the hungry; we are nurturing a community of care and resilience.

Asylum Seekers in Toronto

Maha Farooq & Hawi Wonswossen – Emergency Programs Interns

Escalation of Unhoused Asylum Seekers

Asylum seekers in Toronto have been facing a shelter crisis since early June; public attention grew as the number of asylum seekers camping outside the streets of downtown Toronto increased weekly. By July, a few dozen asylum seekers were spotted sleeping outside the City’s shelter intake centre on Peter Street. The asylum seekers stayed outside the intake centre in the hope that they would soon secure some form of housing. The reality was that the City’s shelter systems were at full capacity, and on top of that, no funding was available to accommodate the influx of refugees and asylum seekers seeking housing assistance. According to the City of Toronto, the total number of asylum seekers in the shelter system has multiplied by more than 500 percent over the past 20 months. Numbers have skyrocketed from 530 people a night in September of 2021 to almost 3,000 in May of 2023. Asylum seekers remained neglected as the federal and municipal governments began a long back-and-forth as to who should be responsible for the individuals.

The total number of asylum seekers sleeping on the street continued to grow in July, and local organizations began to take matters into their own hands. Ainsworth Morgan, co-founder of the 100 Strong Foundation, a non-profit that aims to empower Black boys to become leaders, played an important role in finding shelter for some of the refugees. He contacted Pastor Judith James at Revivaltime Tabernacle Church in North York, who immediately offered up her space to help. Dominion Church International Toronto followed suit, and together the two were able to take in close to 350 people. With an understanding of the possible gaps that would be present, GlobalMedic reached out to the churches to gain an understanding of how we could help. Equipped with this information, we activated our programs to support.

Interning During this Response – Maha

As a summer Emergency Programs Intern at GlobalMedic, I have had the opportunity to work on various emergency response projects. When GlobalMedic heard of the Toronto Asylum seeker situation and the work of the two North York churches, the team was quick to connect with the churches and strategize a response plan. Working in coordination with the churches that were accommodating over 300 individuals at the time, GlobalMedic mobilized a team to the scene, including myself. The first step was to identify the gap in needs in this situation, and what programs we could activate to support what was already being done. With the support of our funders and local partners, the RRT helped distribute aid in the form of linens, disco cots (beds), hygiene items, food, and vitamins. I went with the team to the warehouse to pack up the beds and to a hotel where the Gupta Family Foundation had generously donated clean and fresh linens and pillows for the beds.

Going to the churches and distributing the aid was a key learning moment for me as I was able to experience firsthand the importance of coordination and time management when providing relevant and meaningful aid. Seeing diverse members of the community come together at these churches and offer their help was such a powerful moment for my colleagues and I, and reminded us of the positive impact all of us can help bring forth. Witnessing firsthand the living conditions of asylum seekers in the impromptu church shelters, we knew that the facility had well past its limit. The WASH facilities, including toilets and showers, at the churches are not enough for everyone, resulting in long wait times and concerns over sanitation and hygiene standards. Additionally, the facilities did not have the means to provide laundry services, which adds to the issue of hygiene. In response to this, GlobalMedic worked to provide laundry access, by first establishing a safe connection point and ventilation, followed by a washer and dryer unit at Revivaltime Tabernacle. With access to clean clothes, the affected asylum seekers can reestablish good hygiene practices. Most importantly, placing a focus on their health and hygiene needs helps bring them a step closer to adequate living standards and maintains a person’s confidence and dignity.

Interning During this Response – Hawie

As an intern at GlobalMedic, I was able to experience our coordination efforts first hand. While the asylum seekers had a roof over their heads, there was still an overwhelming amount of need. A Rapid Response Team consisting of myself, an Emergency Programs Officer and trained volunteers was sent out to deliver the right aid to the right people at the right time. We visited Revivaltime Tabernacle Church, which was housing roughly 270 asylum seekers. We brought them essential hygiene products, like soap, shampoo and conditioner, vitamins, and a variety of non-perishable food items. The food we delivered was from GlobalMedic’s McAntony’s Menu program, an emergency food program designed to meet the food security needs in Toronto. We also delivered sleeping cots, and worked together to teach the asylum seekers how to correctly assemble them. Following our visit, we organized the delivery of a washing machine and dryer, along with different laundry supplies. This made it possible for asylum seekers to do their laundry without having to worry about travel or service costs.

Delivering Hygiene Items to Revivaltime Tabernacle Church

As a daughter of refugees, I immediately empathized with the asylum seekers. I understood the challenges they may have experienced while trying to build a better life for themselves and their families. Being able to contribute to such a meaningful response was very impactful for me. I was also able to understand the importance of coordination in a domestic crisis, and observe the immediate impact of aid programming.

Ongoing Support

As Toronto continues to struggle with the refugee crisis, it’s clear that additional funding and coordination is needed. The situation requires serious attention, and as it evolves, GlobalMedic continues to offer its support. Working with local communities and organizations will only strengthen our efforts in creating comprehensive solutions and delivering aid to individuals that need it the most. Together, we can make a difference and support those who seek refuge in Canada.

World Food Day 2021

Morgan Clark – Emergency Programs Officer

World Food Day (WFD) 2021 is on October 16! World Food Day has been celebrated annually since 1981 to commemorate the founding of the United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and increase awareness of world hunger and poverty.

WFD is celebrated each year to inspire solutions for world change in the food and agriculture sector and to raise awareness of global food insecurity. WFD is especially important to GlobalMedic as a humanitarian organization that operates food-related programs in Canada and around the world.

About World Food Day 2021

World Food Day is one of the most celebrated days of the UN calendar, collectively observed across 150 countries, including Canada. Hundreds of events, outreach activities, and educational materials promote worldwide awareness and action for those experiencing hunger and food insecurity. World Food Day celebrations also highlight the need to ensure healthy diets for all. It’s a day when Governments, businesses, NGOs, the media, and the general public can come together in an effort to eradicate world hunger.

Who is the UN FAO?

The UN FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations, founded in 1945, that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security. The UN FAO’s Latin motto, fiat panis, translates to “let there be bread”. Their goal is to achieve food security for all and make sure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.

Why care about food systems?

Every time you eat, you participate in global agri-food systems. From the food you choose at the store and the way food is produced, prepared, cooked, and stored, makes us all an integral and active part of how the system works.

The world’s agri-food systems currently employ 1 billion people worldwide, which is more than any other economic sector. Moreover, food production, consumption, and, sadly, waste, exacts a heavy toll on our planet. Over 30% of the world’s food is either lost due to inadequate harvesting, handling, storage, and transit or wasted at the consumer level. Such inefficiency is costing trillions of dollars, but, most importantly, today’s agri-food systems are exposing profound inequalities and injustices in our global society. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these issues, making it even harder for farmers to sell their harvests, while rising poverty is pushing an increased number of city residents to use food banks, and millions of people require emergency food aid.

According to the UN FAO, more than 3 billion people (almost 40% of the world’s population) cannot afford a healthy diet, while obesity continues to increase worldwide.

What GlobalMedic is doing to combat food insecurity?

In keeping with our mandate to deliver the right aid to the right people at the right time, our approach to delivering food aid is both innovative and adaptable. We operate both domestic and international food programs, ensuring that the food we deliver is culturally appropriate and best fits the needs of our beneficiaries.

The goal of our international Emergency Food Program is simple – we want to do emergency food better. Accessing adequate and healthy food sources can be extremely difficult for families in conflict and disaster zones around the world, so to address these needs of nutritional support, GlobalMedic distributes Emergency Food Kits. The first iteration of these food kits provided families with an easy-to-make, ready-to-cook meal that is calorically dense and nutritious. Not only are these meals tasty and culturally appropriate, but they are also easy to prepare and have long shelf lives, so families on the move don’t have to worry about spoilage. We worked with local partners to provide these types of food kits to families in Syria, Indonesia, and Ukraine.

As we developed and improved our Emergency Food Program, looking for ways to make it more cost-effective and increasingly impactful, the Emergency Food Kits transitioned into a ‘pantry style’ food program. These kits contain a pantry of multiple culturally appropriate staple ingredients, such as rice, beans, lentils, and grits, to be assembled at the discretion of the beneficiary. This pantry solution provides families with more autonomy in their food preparation and allows us to provide more aid at a similar price point.

Over the past few years, GlobalMedic has supported families in Antigua & Barbuda, Haiti, Indonesia, Iraq, Nicaragua, Saint Vincent, and the Grenadines, Ukraine, Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, and the Bahamas through our Emergency Food Program. To learn more about our international food programs, click here.

McAntony’s Menu, a part of The Grassroots Revolution, is the domestic version of our food program. It was designed to complement and support the heavily utilized local food bank systems that serve the 1 in 8 families in Canada who are food insecure. This program is a unique way to think about and approach food donation. To keep our costs low and make the biggest impact possible, we leverage our existing supply chains to buy bulk bags of pantry staples like rice, green peas, red lentils, and chickpeas and then mobilize our dedicated volunteers to repack the food into 500g bags. These family-sized portions are then boxed up and delivered to food banks and other support programs across the country, for a third to a quarter of the retail price. As with our international beneficiaries, we also prioritize maintaining the dignity of our domestic beneficiaries through this program, and by removing our logo and name from the packaging, these products do not look like “charity food”.

Since its launch in 2020, we have delivered more than 1,432,000 lbs of food through our McAntony’s Menu program. To learn more about the program, click here.

Food Insecurity and COVID-19

Our extensive experience with implementing emergency food programs domestically and internationally allowed GlobalMedic to quickly expand our operations at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the past 18 months, we have handed out McAntony’s Menu pantry staples at various vaccination clinics, including The Canadian Centre for Refugee & Immigrant Health Care (CCRIHC), and packed over 13,000 food hampers for First Nations communities. In addition to our regular McAntony’s Menu program, we partnered with local food banks to deliver additional programs in response to the growing food insecurity fuelled by the pandemic. With the support of our dedicated volunteers, GlobalMedic has been assembling food hampers for North York Harvest and Feed Ontario and sorting food donation bins for Mississauga Food Bank. We have also partnered with Hand Up Toronto to run our Feed the Six Campaign, which provides vulnerable families in the GTA with food hampers. These hampers are also packed by GlobalMedic’s amazing volunteers and then distributed via contactless delivery by Hand Up Toronto volunteer drivers. Since the start of Feed the Six in the spring of 2020, GlobalMedic has packed and distributed over 23,000 of these food hampers around the GTA.

Volunteers stacking boxes onto a skid. The boxes have a sticker that says Feed the Six

Volunteers standing on either side of a folding table adding non perishable food items to a box

GlobalMedic’s international and domestic food programming is possible thanks to the ongoing support of our devoted volunteers and generous donors. In celebration of #WorldFoodDay2021, we invite you to join us in the fight against hunger! Make a donation to our Emergency Relief Fund here or learn more about opportunities to volunteer with us here.

GlobalMedic’s Mile Match Week with Aeroplan

DONATE NOW!

Aeroplan is celebrating 15 years of Mile Match Week and for the first time, Globalmedic has been selected for one of Aeroplan’s Mile Match Weeks! From Sept 13 – 19, Aeroplan has promised to match the first 500,000 points donated.

GlobalMedic staff training local partners on how to operate an AR3 mechanized water purification system

What does this mean for you?

It means GlobalMedic has the opportunity to make more of an impact through your help.

All donated Aeroplan points go towards getting aid where it needs to be. Whether that be the equipment to keep our operations moving, the transportation of our program supplies, or flights for our team members deploying for a disaster response, these points count. All of the money we save on these costs is carefully put towards our essential programming – specialized materials such as water purification equipment, emergency food, critical infrastructure tenting, and hygiene items. Without these materials, GlobalMedic could not have the life-saving impact that it does.

How this helps GlobalMedic

Donated points help get our boots on the ground. The COVID-19 pandemic closed down many borders across the world. However, since the vaccination rollout, countries have begun to cautiously reopen their borders and many different organizations have started deploying personnel, including GlobalMedic. Our RescUAV drone team is deployed to St. Vincent and the Grenadines to map out the damage and coordinate with local officials on humanitarian action needed as a result of the eruption of La Soufriere volcano in April of this year. Also, our Rapid Response Team recently returned from Haiti after delivering six water purification systems to support communities affected by the earthquake that struck on August 14th.

GlobalMedic’s goal has always been to get the right aid to the right people at the right time, based on the idea that aid could be delivered more effectively and efficiently. Professional emergency workers along with other professional and skilled volunteers help deliver our programs to the people who need them most. Donated points will go to more than team deployments, as we regularly transport program supplies and equipment for both our international and national responses.

Two GlobalMedic RescUAV members in Dominica holding a Sky Ranger UAV

A GlobalMedic staff member demonstrating how to assemble a Rainfresh Family Emergency Kit to a group of people

All donated Aeroplan miles from Sept 13 – 19 will have double the impact, and GlobalMedic is excited to see what that can do for our program scope. Every donated mile will go towards our emergency response programs, from our Family Emergency Food Program to our response to fight COVID internationally.

Thanks to your ongoing support and the support of Aeroplan, GlobalMedic can continue doing what it does best, serving our global community.

DONATE NOW!

Providing PPE During the COVID-19 Pandemic

A box of PRIMED face masks with the message "Canada thanks you and stands with you" written on it

Sarah Twomey – Emergency Programs Intern

In June of 2021, PRIMED Medical Products partnered with GlobalMedic and Traffic Tech by donating 38 million level three masks to help combat COVID-19 in low-and middle-income countries. As a leading Canadian manufacturer and supplier of personal protective equipment (PPE), PRIMED has worked diligently to provide PPE to the Canadian healthcare system throughout the pandemic. With worldwide case counts of COVID-19 continuing to rise, PRIMED decided they could help support low-resource countries facing serious COVID-19 outbreaks with chronic PPE shortages.

Two representatives from Primed and Traffic Tech holding a donation certificate for PRIMED masks — David Welsh, President & CEO of PRIMED Medical Products, at the donation launch event

GlobalMedic has identified the greatest areas of need for masks and is distributing them to healthcare workers around the world, with almost 20 million masks being sent to India and additional masks arriving in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Syria and Yemen. Masks will also be distributed to low-income countries in the Caribbean and South America including the Bahamas, Grenada and Guyana. Logistics company Traffic Tech has been integral in this process as they donate their time to packing the masks, loading them into sea containers and managing all the logistics associated with the process.

After extensive research, experts have confirmed that COVID-19 mainly spreads from person to person via respiratory droplets that are released into the air when someone breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes. The CDC states that when worn correctly over the mouth and nose, masks are an effective barrier that helps prevent one person’s respiratory droplets from reaching other people. Wearing a mask is critical for anyone showing symptoms of the virus, but it is also incredibly important that those not experiencing symptoms also wear masks to protect those around them. Several studies across multiple countries have found that people can be infected by the COVID-19 virus without developing symptoms (asymptomatic).

Therefore, even if someone does not appear to have COVID-19, their respiratory droplets can still carry the virus. The World Health Organization, the Centre for Disease Control, and many academics, scientists, epidemiologists, and international experts have ruled masks safe to wear and effective at suppressing the transmission of COVID-19 and the virus variants. Additionally, as cloth and surgical masks are not airtight to the face, there is no risk of the wearer retaining excess carbon dioxide.

Video from: UNSW Sydney / Thorax

While all individuals are strongly advised to wear face masks, the importance of access to high-quality masks and PPE for healthcare workers around the world must be further emphasized. Frontline and healthcare workers are operating in roles that significantly increase their risk of encountering someone with the COVID-19 virus. Without proper PPE, their risk of contracting the virus skyrockets. While providing them with PPE seems like a simple solution, globally disrupted manufacturing and supply chains have left many countries with a critical shortage of these products. Many high-income countries are successfully mitigating this issue, low-and middle-income countries are falling through the cracks.

India, a country with a population of nearly 1.4 billion people, experienced as many as 400,000 new COVID-19 cases a day in the months of March – June 2021. The country surpassed the United States to record the world’s highest one-day surge in cases. According to Indian media outlets, the government struggled to cope with the surge in demand for PPE during these months and the availability of triple-layer surgical masks was highly compromised. A Reuters agency report indicated that India needed over 100,000 PPE kits per day to meet this demand.

Two men hand loading a sea container filled with PRIMED face masks — A sea container of face masks being loaded

Healthcare workers were disproportionately impacted by these shortages as many were working directly with COVID-19 positive patients without the basic equipment to protect themselves from the virus. Some doctors even reported using raincoats or motorbike helmets as a form of make-shift PPE. Many of these health professionals have since contracted the virus and the hospitals they were working at were forced to close to control the outbreaks.

As more masks were made available to India, both through international donations and a massive productive scale-up by the country’s textile industry, COVID-19 cases began to decline. As of August 2021, 95% of citizens report that they regularly wear a mask and new cases have fallen from an average of 400,000 per day to 40,000 per day. While this number is a massive improvement, the risk of rising case counts remains, and there remains a need for high-quality PPE.

The 38 million masks donated by PRIMED will go a long way in supporting the fight against COVID-19 in India and the many other countries that will receive masks. The partnership between GlobalMedic, PRIMED, and Traffic Tech has been highly successful at getting these masks to some of the most vulnerable populations in countries throughout the world. While there is a great deal of work left to be done to support low-resource countries through this global pandemic, companies like PRIMED and Traffic Tech are leading the way with generosity and vigor.

World Humanitarian Day 2021

Kaitlin Waters – Communications Intern

World Humanitarian Day (WHD) is held every year on August 19, to pay tribute to aid workers who risk their lives in humanitarian service, and to rally support for people affected by crises around the world. GlobalMedic also tributes WHD as the day that we all collectively recognize humanitarian personnel and their efforts, as well as the rising climate crisis.

GlobalMedic was founded on emergency response and humanitarianism. While we run many non-emergency and capacity-building programs, most of our work continues to be critical intervention in the wake of disaster and crisis. WHD is the day we get to reflect with our global community on all the hard work we’ve collectively done over the years.

A Bit of History on World Humanitarian Day

World Humanitarian Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly to commemorate the death of Sergio Vieira de Mello and 21 of his fellow humanitarians in a bombing of the Baghdad headquarters of the UN in 2003. The United Nations General Assembly formalized the day as World Humanitarian Day in 2009. Each year WHD focuses on a theme, and last year’s theme was paying special tribute to the real-life heroes who have committed their lives to help others in the most extreme circumstances around the world, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year WHD is highlighting “the immediate human cost of the climate crisis by pressuring world leaders to take meaningful climate action for the world’s most vulnerable people (UN, 2021).”

What’s so Important About This Year’s Theme?

Over the years, it has become more widely understood that climate change and climate emergencies have immediate consequences on the world, especially to the most vulnerable. This year’s WHD is focused on highlighting these consequences and ensuring that the voices of vulnerable people are heard. With the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November, this theme is set to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. In hopes that the COP26 world leaders not only talk about climate change but also what nations are planning to do to tackle it.

#TheHumanRace is not just about raising awareness or the COP26 conference, it’s about no longer standing on the sidelines, and entering the race against climate change. GlobalMedic has been a part of #TheHumanRace and operating in disasters and conflicts for almost 20 years. Within our years of operation we’ve noticed that the needs are only continuing to increase and as a global community, we need to be aware of some of these consequences.

“The climate crisis doesn’t affect everyone equally. People in vulnerable communities are already losing their homes, their livelihoods, and their lives”
UN, 2021

What GlobalMedic Does to Combat Climate Emergencies

During my summer internship, I’ve learned about the wide array of programs and responses that operate within GlobalMedic. From the Water, Food, Flood, Medical, Shelter, and drone RescUAV programs, GlobalMedic is diversified and modular in any humanitarian situation, both domestically in Canada and abroad to help people in need.

GlobalMedic’s responses are usually in conjunction with humanitarian crises and consistent climate disruption. Hurricanes, forest fires, droughts, and floods have been increasingly prevalent in day-to-day life and have become more severe due to the continuous strain we put on our environment. Climate change is a top driver of humanitarian need and human suffering, particularly for the poorest countries. The impacts threaten to deepen already wide inequalities, resulting in consequences felt by the world at large, including instability, violence, and displacement. The climate crisis is a humanitarian crisis.

Below are some responses GlobalMedic runs in conjunction with the climate change and humanitarian crisis:

Forest Fires

Forest fires have been increasing dramatically, as climate change is leading to longer, harsher droughts and more extreme weather events. In early 2020, we witnessed this through the massive forest fires that blazed through Australia, an event that heightened our awareness of the impacts we have on our environment.

GlobalMedic responded to the wildfires here in Canada from Fort McMurray in 2016, British Columbia in 2017, and Alberta in 2019. GlobalMedic is also on standby with the forest fires spreading across Canada this year, and even more alarmed that forest fires have broken out in other parts of the world like the Mediterranean. Our responses are built upon the resources, support, and capacity to manage the emergency. However, with increased fluctuation in both the intensity and amount of forest fires, and natural disasters in general, many organizations must prepare for an increased strain on their operations, and the people being affected.

Time is already running out for the world’s most vulnerable people — those who have contributed least to the global climate emergency yet are hit the hardest, and millions of others are already losing their homes, their livelihoods, and their lives.

A group of volunteers packing hygiene kits to support Canadians in Fort McMurray

Hurricanes

Climate change has increased tropical cyclone intensity, rainfall, and storm surges. We can see these increased intensities through Hurricane Dorian 2019, and Hurricanes Eta and Iota that hit the same areas back-to-back at the end of 2020 — both of which GlobalMedic responded to. With hurricanes and tropical storms becoming more severe, GlobalMedic wants to highlight the immediate consequences of the climate emergency for the world’s most vulnerable people. We as a global community need to stand in solidarity with the needs of climate-vulnerable people and make sure their voices are heard.

Hurricane Dorian 2019 was an extremely powerful and catastrophic Category 5 Atlantic hurricane, which became the most intense tropical cyclone on record to strike the Bahamas and tied for the strongest landfall in the Atlantic basin. It is also regarded as the worst natural disaster in the Bahamas’ recorded history. 43 people were killed and over 76,000 people were affected by the storm. With the damage so extensive, people in the Bahamas were in immediate need of clean water, food, and shelter items. Immediately following the storm, GlobalMedic deployed our Rapid Response Team with several aid responses and the RescUAV Team with drones to provide on-the-ground assistance. Though GlobalMedic may have alleviated the humanitarian emergency within the area, we cannot help but reflect that this is a worldly by-product of environmental negligence.

#TheHumanRace

Because of everyone’s increased struggle in combating the effects of climate change, this year’s theme is aimed at increasing awareness, action, and vocalization of climate change. Join GlobalMedic and other humanitarian leaders and organizations in their efforts. May it be volunteering, donating, or becoming an environmental advocate in your day-to-day life, one thing is for certain, #TheHumanRace has already started, and we are not too far behind to catch up!

Click to find out more about World Humanitarian Day, GlobalMedic’s Hurricane Dorian response as well as our other programs, and how you can be a part of #TheHumanRace!

COVID-19 Vaccination Support

Sarah Twomey – Emergency Programs Intern

At GlobalMedic we are incredibly thankful for our dedicated volunteers who make our work possible. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout, our volunteers have worked tirelessly to help vulnerable community members navigate the registration process to receive a vaccine and have committed an incredible number of hours to help support pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics around the GTA. Volunteers fill a number of vital roles at the clinics including assisting with registration, crowd control, observation of individuals post-vaccine, and general logistical operations. By supporting these areas, we help the clinics function in a smooth and efficient manner, allowing more people to receive their vaccinations. As of August 1, GlobalMedic volunteers have participated in over 261 COVID-19 vaccination events helping more than 218,000 people receive their vaccines.

While every clinic we support is integral in the effort to get Canadians vaccinated, one clinic, in particular, is going above and beyond to provide vaccines for some of the most vulnerable populations – the Canadian Centre for Refugee and Immigrant Healthcare (CCRIHC) in Scarborough. GlobalMedic has been working with the CCRIHC for the past year to support its efforts to provide vaccines to undocumented persons, immigrants, asylum seekers, refugees, international visa students, homeless persons, and those without a health card. This clinic is filling a large gap in the vaccination administration program, as many people were previously ineligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine unless they could present proof of coverage under OHIP. These populations are also some of the most at-risk for contracting the COVID-19 virus as many work in essential, frontline jobs and live in densely populated areas.

GlobalMedic volunteers directing patients into a COVID-19 vaccination clinic — GlobalMedic Team Lead Don Jorgensen directing patrons in and out of a pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic

GlobalMedic volunteers handing out food and hygiene items at a pop-up vaccination clinic — GlobalMedic Team Lead Don Jorgensen directing patrons in and out of a pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic

GlobalMedic believes that regardless of citizenship status, age, race, sex, socioeconomic status, or geographic location, everyone in Canada should have equitable access to vaccinations. As GlobalMedic founder Rahul Singh says: “None of us is safe, until all of us are safe”. Based on this belief, we are proud to have provided critical infrastructure tents for the CCRIHC clinic to operate out of in all seasons, as well as volunteer bodies each shift to increase vaccination capacity. Our volunteers also distribute hand sanitizer, masks, hygiene kits, and pantry-staple food items to those who attend the clinic.

As an intern with GlobalMedic, I had the opportunity to witness the work of our volunteers at many of these vaccination sites. I quickly realized that while our involvement was clearly supporting the logistic operations of these clinics, we were also making personal connections with the local community, and growing as people and an organization. I had the opportunity to sit down with Marty Bromley, a veteran GlobalMedic volunteer acting as a site lead for a number of the vaccination clinics, and it was abundantly clear how passionate he was about his work at the clinics. While Marty shared stories of overcoming obstacles such as power failures and floods at the clinics, he also shared a story that exemplifies what it means to be a volunteer with this organization. Upon learning that an elderly woman who had just received her vaccine could not afford a taxi home, a kindhearted volunteer offered to push the woman home in a wheelchair, as she insisted it was “just down the road”. After navigating more than half a kilometre through busy intersections and heavy traffic, the volunteer delivered the incredibly thankful woman to her home, and learned that “just down the road” means very different things to different people. This is only one of the many remarkable feats our volunteers have accomplished during their time at these clinics, and it demonstrates how meaningful their involvement truly is.

GlobalMedic Team Leads Marty Bromley and Rob McNamara at a COVID-19 vaccination clinic

In a conversation with Rob McNamara, another veteran GlobalMedic volunteer now acting as a site lead for the CCRIHC clinic, he shared his love for the camaraderie that had developed between the volunteers and clinic staff. As the healthcare professionals at the clinic are also volunteers, he valued that everyone at the site was truly there to make a difference for these vulnerable populations and to ensure these communities did not fall through the cracks. Rob even mentioned that Libby, the clinic’s manager, often cooked traditional Filipino food for all the volunteers to share.

When asked about their favourite part of working at the clinics, both Rob and Marty said the same thing – having the opportunity to work alongside wonderful volunteers. Rob said, “They are talented and dedicated. We also have a lot of fun while making a difference in this fight against COVID-19”. Marty echoed this sentiment emphasizing how proud and honoured he was to work with these volunteers: “They are amazing people who care and have stepped up to help knock out this pandemic”.

From my own time at the clinics, I can say that it’s clear our volunteers truly care. I can’t count the number of genuine connections I watched GlobalMedic volunteers make in the course of one day. It was inspiring. While working at the clinics, I realized how many types of people exist in every community across the GTA. From different ethnic backgrounds, to religions, to sexual orientations, to varied family units, I realized that we can all be so different, and yet many of us are seeking the same things – kindness, empathy, support, and reassurance in these uncertain times. I saw so much excitement and relief from those finally getting their vaccines, and I watched people from all walks of life share in this joy. The hope that came from these vaccine clinics, during a time when many are struggling, lonely, and worried, was incredible to witness.

These experiences are attributable not just to GlobalMedic volunteers, but every healthcare professional, clinic staff member, and person taking the opportunity to get their vaccine. We still have a ways to go until COVID-19 is behind us and equitable protection is afforded to everyone, but each day we are making notable progress. It is with selflessness, empathy, and perseverance that we will get through this pandemic together.