The Canadian Red Cross wants to create a 12 person Personal Disaster Assistance Team in Winkler, to serve Winkler and the surrounding communities.

The Red Cross defines the team as a group which will respond and provide assistance to a family or individual for the first 72 hours following a disaster, such as a house fire or other small scale disaster.

Michelle Ford, Emergency Management Coordinator for Central Manitoba with the Canadian Red Cross, was invited by the Winkler and District Chamber of Commerce (WDCC), to give a presentation on what the Red Cross hopes to develop.

Ford says a personal disaster can be especially traumatic, and a team of this kind could do wonders in the community.

"When someone is in that vulnerable situation after they've experienced a house fire, it's nice to have someone to meet with them and go through that process of what do you need, how can we help you, how can we refer you to other organizations in our community? You might be helping your neighbour, your friend, or your own family."

Having that local, in-person contact is crucial says Ford, keeping support for those in crisis within the community.

WDCC Executive Director, Tanya Chateauneuf, says when Red Cross approached them with a call for local volunteers, WDCC wanted to use their outreach to begin that conversation.

"I have noticed the Canadian Red Cross is digging their heels deep here in our community and I welcome that. We already have a lot of great systems in place, but the better prepared we can be it's a benefit for everyone."

For those interested in being a part of this team, Ford says requirements are you must be 18 or older and pass a criminal record check. She adds other conditions she believes are needed to be a volunteer is a big heart and a desire to aid others.

For more information on the Red Cross and their mission, or to find out more about volunteering click here.