Ready When the Time Comes (RWTC) is an innovative programme of the Canadian Red Cross (CRC), aimed at developing a cadre of volunteers who could be deployed in the aftermath of an emergency event. In 2015, Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) Canada entered into a formal partnership with CRC to train volunteers from the Ismaili Muslim Community across Canada. The CRC is now able to draw on these volunteers as reservists to support affected communities across the country. In November 2019, the agreement between FOCUS Canada and CRC was renewed for an additional three years.

As of September 2020, over 750 volunteers across Canada have been trained and volunteers had been deployed for the 2016 Fort McMurray Wildfires, 2017 Ottawa Floods, 2018 Toronto Apartment Fire and the 2019 Quebec Floods.

“The Canadian Red Cross is pleased to work with FOCUS as part of our Ready When the Time Comes initiative. When disasters or emergencies occur in Canada, FOCUS volunteers are ready to assist along with CRC personnel, if the need arises. Their valued contributions combined with their passion to help others is welcomed in a response, and we are thankful for their time, commitment and dedication.”

Mathew Colling
Senior Manager, Emergency Operations
Canadian Red Cross

The training that volunteers receive as participants of this program complements other emergency response training that FOCUS Canada facilitates, and just as importantly it reinforces the culture of Emergency Preparedness and Volunteerism.

FOCUS Canada appreciates the commitment of the volunteers and their willingness to be a part of this important initiative.

“FOCUS Canada has been pleased with the partnership with the Canadian Red Cross under the Ready When the Time Comes Program. FOCUS Canada appreciates the CRC’s time in training our volunteers, and the commitment of the volunteers in being a part of this important initiative. We look forward to enhancing our partnership with the CRC, increasing the pool of trained / deployable volunteers and supporting the CRC in the event of a disaster.”

Dr. Moez Rajwani
Chairman
FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance Canada

Trained RWTC volunteers deployed in 2018 to support the Toronto Apartment Fire Response