Volunteering

Introductory Essay

Volunteering was an integral part of the “total war” Canadians experienced during the First and Second World Wars, offering civilians a meaningful and practical way to contribute to the national war…

Canadian Red Cross Speakers' Manual for the National Campaign

This booklet has instructions for speakers from the Canadian Red Cross Society, to help them meet their $5,000,000 goal in the 1940 national campaign. It includes information about how the Red Cross will use your donations, and sample speeches used encourage people to donate.

A lifelong Red Cross worker

The First World War offered endless opportunity for charitable organizations, and there were many committed volunteers, like Mrs Pardee, prepared to devote time and energy to the cause.

On leave in Paris

One of the many services provided by the YMCA was accommodation for soldiers on leave. This pamphlet was carried by a member of the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles.

Hotel d-Ilena.pdf (17.58 MB)

"Europe's Triangle of Suffering"

The First World War was followed by a humanitarian crisis in eastern Europe, with destitute war orphans and the spread of typhus creating significant challenges for aid societies.

War Relief Fund.pdf (14.49 MB)

From ambulances to invalid kitchens

The Canadian Red Cross Society furnished these statistics about the activities of its sister society in Britain - which was spending $30 every minute on relief and charitable work related to the war.

Knitting for Victory

This craft book included a long list of women's war charities in Canada, and patterns for every conceivable garment for men and women in uniform, as well as "practical styles for war victims."

Monarch.pdf (12.63 MB)

Having a fund-raiser?

During the Second World War, the federal government took control of all fund-raising activities and the organizers of any event were required to secure the appropriate permission from the Department of National War Services.

"Pull Together, Canada"

Canada's second Victory Loan campaign ran in 1941 and to generate public interest, the Ontario Public Relations Committee mounted a splashy stage show, complete with its own theme song.

A Victory Loan donor

The Second World War ended in August 1945, but the 9th Victory Loan continued to attract support from Canadians in October and November.

Giving the gift of life

Donating blood was even more important in wartime than peacetime, because of the need for "emergency transfusions to those of His Majesty's Forces or civilians who are war casualties."