Featured Stories
Chiran Livera - From youth volunteer to aid worker
Chiran Livera is living his dream. He's a Red Cross aid worker, currently in Haiti to help with relief efforts following the January 12th earthquake. This is his first international mission - but not the first time he's exhibited his passion and dedication to the Red Cross.
Livera joined the Red Cross when he was 20 as a youth volunteer in Vancouver. After visiting his local Red Cross office, Livera became part of the Even Wars Have Limits campaign and facilitated workshops and events about the human consequences of war and International Humanitarian Law.
"I had attended a few events and conferences and noticed a strong Red Cross presence," remembers Livera. "I also noticed that many of the volunteers were my age and I was interested in getting involved in something where I could work alongside my peers."
In 2004, while vacationing in Sri Lanka, Livera watched in horror as the tsunami waves came ashore and wreaked havoc on communities there. He immediately sought out the Red Cross to offer his assistance. Upon returning to Canada, Livera knew that the ability to respond to disasters was vital – and he wanted to make sure he could help his own community, should anything happen.
"I signed up to become a Disaster Management volunteer," says Livera. "I completed the necessary training workshops, and eventually began training other volunteers."
Livera noted the importance of the support he received at his Red Cross office. "No matter how big or small my ideas were, staff members were always happy to listen and discuss options for making them happen. That meant a lot to me."
Upon completion of university, Livera moved to Quebec to study French, and continued his involvement with the Red Cross. As a co-chair of the Youth Task Force working group in 2007, he helped draft the youth engagement strategy that is being used today.
Now, Livera is a Canadian Red Cross employee and is currently working in Haiti. He was an inspiration to those he volunteered with when he first joined the Red Cross, and continues to inspire those around him.
"My advice for youth who want to get involved is to visit their local Red Cross office to learn what types of opportunities there are," suggests Livera. "I'd also recommend that youth try out different areas within the organization in order to learn more and be able to help in different ways. Once you're part of the Red Cross, make sure you share your ideas with staff members. I did and I've always been proud of what I've been able to learn and accomplish."
Contact your local Red Cross office for more information about becoming a Red Cross volunteer.
Click here to read Livera's Haiti Field Diary.