NORTH BATTLEFORD — Doug Reid of North Battleford has been named a member of the Order of the Red Cross.
The Order of Red Cross, the organization’s highest award, recognizes extraordinary people who have provided outstanding humanitarian service at home and abroad. This year, two recipients from Saskatchewan received this distinguished honour. Regina’s Barb Thompson, and Reid were named members of the Order of the Red Cross during a virtual ceremony Tuesday night.
“This prestigious national award has only been appointed to 350 people in the last 37 years,” says Vice President for the Red Cross in Saskatchewan’s Luc Mullinder. “We feel fortunate to have two Saskatchewan volunteers who are worthy of the award this year.”
In speaking to SASKTODAY.ca, Reid said it was a "pretty nice honour to be recognized for that."
"It was pretty exciting... It was virtual and I attended virtually with all of my Red Cross family and all my family involved in the Zoom meeting. It was wonderful to have people say great things about you.
"At times I was wondering if they were talking about the right person, but apparently they were! So yeah, it's been a very exciting time."
Doug Reid has been a calm and steady force for the Red Cross in Saskatchewan for the past 14 years. He started at the administration level and had been President of the Central Red Cross for about six years, and for the last several years has had a "person of disaster assistance" role, who is called to the scene to assist people when disaster strikes.
He has also been a Shelter Manager with the Red Cross, setting up shelters for those evacuated from major disasters such as major fires.
He is described as always ready and willing to help, whether it’s supporting a home fire or a large evacuation, leading a volunteer board through a time of major change or helping bring a community together to be better prepared for a disaster.
“Doug Reid is undoubtedly one of the most dedicated Red Cross volunteers I have ever had the privilege to work with,” said Sandra MacArthur, fellow volunteer and Order of Red Cross member. “His level-headedness, calm demeanour and vast experience as a Red Cross volunteer are so valuable when everything is in crisis.”
Fellow volunteers and staff highlight his ability to bring people together and ensure things are done correctly the first time. His guidance is valued, and he often mentors others without their knowledge.
During the 2015 wildfires, the largest evacuation in Saskatchewan history, Reid helped lead the local team’s response. He provided insight and leadership through some challenging times.
“Doug is the perfect example of what it means to be a Red Cross volunteer, demonstrating commitment, compassion and all the pillars of exemplary voluntary service,” said Scott Osmachenko, fellow Red Cross volunteer. “The smile that Doug displays when discussing his volunteerism and the joy he spreads is inspirational.”
When he isn’t responding to disasters, he looks for ways to improve response. He has been an instrumental member of the Saskatchewan volunteer advisory committee for many years. He provides invaluable feedback to the Red Cross team that supports operations development. In addition, he facilitates emergency responder training for communities in northern Saskatchewan.
Reid said that for the last ten years he has been a trainer for the Red Cross for new people volunteering for the organization. He estimates he has trained 100-150 volunteers for the Red Cross.
As for why he helps the Red Cross, Reid said the organization is "really a good fit because we're dealing with vulnerable people. And you know, if you or I had a house fire, we would have relatives or friends that we could go to, but there are a lot of new people to the province or people that are less fortunate than us that just have nowhere to turn. It's a great experience to be able to help people in those kind of situations."
“Doug has made extraordinary contributions to the Red Cross and to helping people in Saskatchewan,” said Mullinder. “The Canadian Red Cross is honoured to welcome him into the Order of Red Cross,”
Annual appointment of the Order of Red Cross is limited to 25 members and only has 350 total members. This year, two volunteers from Saskatchewan received this honour: Doug Reid and Barb Thompson.
Thompson has been a loyal and dedicated volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross in Saskatchewan for 26 years. She has continuously served in several emergency management positions including leadership and mentorship roles, as well as a senior facilitator for training and development.
