The Ontario Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW) Team hosted a “Be Ready Workshop” held virtually on Friday April 3rd, 2026, at 6pm EST. alongside the Canadian Red Cross volunteer facilitator Wendi Anderson. National members were invited to attend and to learn about the four key steps on how to be Ready, which include but are not limited to; risks and responsibilities, creating an emergency plan, build or buy a kit, and last building a social network within your community.
Overall, over 20 members including family members signed up to join the “Be Ready” Workshop. During the session around 11 members attended alongside their families. The Ontario CCMW Team hopes to continue the tradition to allow CCMW members, and/or community partners understand the fundamentals on being prepared during uncertainty within their environment and/or communities. This can be in relation to house fires, gas pipe leaks, floods, war-torn-zones, etc. Overall, the Canadian Red Cross highly suggests a few tips for families and communities to know their neighbours, as well as holding spare cash when technology fails, and to hold on to valid insurance.
The Ontario CCMW Team alongside with the Canadian Red Cross curated for members who signed up a resource list including but not limited to 211 Canadian services, 311 Municipal services, how to build a kit, and or how to build an emergency plan, and how to reach out to the Canadian Red Cross during tough times (e.g., Emergency and Disaster Services- Canadian Red Cross). The Ontario CCMW Team hopes this resource list will expand soon and be utilized by members and maintain partnership with The Canadian Red Cross for potential fundraisers, trainings, and/or professional development.
In summary, a few anonymous survey respondents encouraged senior assistance or support, mental health, looking at detailed information how to volunteer and/or work with the Canadian Red Cross, and potentially have the session held before a long weekend to allow for more attendance. The Ontario CCMW Team thanks all community members who joined the meaningful workshop for “Be Ready” workshop and in hopes to see more engaging and/or educational sessions.
Article written by Hiba Hamed, Ontario CCMW Executive member
