Three helpers, three stories
Read how Kari, Krista and Sebastian became Red Cross volunteers. What are their thoughts on volunteering?
“As soon as I make it out, I will start helping others,” Kari thought years ago while he was sitting in a peer support group meeting with others who had stopped using intoxicants.
“I didn’t say anything at first; I just listened. Then I thought that if you can hurt others by talking, you can also heal others by talking.”
Kari has now been intoxicant-free for a few decades now. He helps others as a Red Cross volunteer by teaching first aid skills to users of intoxicants. The training sessions, lasting a few hours each, are held in e.g. housing units and meeting places with the objective of preventing deaths caused by narcotics or alcohol poisoning.
“As an expert by experience, it is easy for Kari to find the same wavelength with the participants and he is able to word things in a relatable way,” says volunteer activity planning officer Petra Laitinen, who works with Kari.
Thanks to Kari and other instructors, 650 people who use intoxicants have already learnt life-saving skills.
Krista Ananin became a Red Cross volunteer at 17 when she completed first aid training during her practical nurse studies.
Krista started using a wheelchair in 2017 and replaced first aid activities with promoting safety in daily life. Currently Krista, who lives in Rovaniemi, organises training sessions and information events on safety at home as a Red Cross Safety Coach. She also works for food aid.
Krista has now been involved in Red Cross activities for most of her life and she considers meeting other people to be the most significant part of her work. According to her, volunteering is an excellent and affordable hobby.
“And you get to feel good to boot!” Krista says.
Sebastian Rosanthan from Sri Lanka works as a first aid volunteer with the Herttoniemi branch of the Red Cross. According to Sebastian, the best part about volunteering is the opportunity to develop his skills.
“I became a first aid volunteer through the Helper’s Club. In the club, I learnt Finnish and was encouraged to become a first aid volunteer,” Sebastian says.
Helper’s Clubs are groups intended for immigrants where participants learn first aid skills in easy Finnish.
“I now tell my story to other immigrants, and I encourage them to join first aid activities as well. I believe that it is important that we have diverse helpers. When administering first aid, you do not need perfect language skills; I often ask people to talk more slowly if I do not understand something."
Sebastian was introduced to the Red Cross when he was a child.
“My father told me that they helped people suffering from war and tsunamis. I thought that was admirable, and I wanted to join in.”
As a volunteer, you are a Red Cross hero. We are happy to have you with us!
There is a wide range of options available, and as a Finnish Red Cross volunteer, you can help in a way that suits you best.
As a volunteer, you promote humanity and defend the vulnerable. You are a part of your local group of helpers and, at the same time, belong to our worldwide network.
Learn more about different ways of helping
