The Order of the Red Cross is the highest honour awarded by the Canadian Red Cross Society, recognizing “extraordinary people who have provided outstanding humanitarian service at home and abroad.”
Only 350 or so of the awards have been presented in the past 37 years – one of them recently to Innisfil pastor Howard Courtney, recognizing his 58 years of service with the volunteer organization. The award was presented virtually in a Zoom meeting attended by 40 family members, friends and fellow Red Cross workers.
Dave Fraser, volunteer with the Ottawa branch and head of the Ontario recognition committee, noted that the Order of the Red Cross is presented to those volunteers “whose service has been outstanding or exceptional at the branch, regional, provincial or national level, for at least 10 years.”
Courtney, senior pastor at the Innisfil Community Church, “has been a humble and dedicated volunteer for 58 years,” Fraser said.
Courtney, who first volunteered with the Red Cross when he was in elementary school in Orangeville, has served in many different capacities – earning recognition that has included a certificate of merit, 50-year Milestone Award, Service and Distinguished Service awards.
In high school, he chaired Sickroom Equipment and Loan Services. He has been an emergency services instructor, disaster chairman of the branch council and, most recently, an emergency response team supervisor with the Simcoe County Branch, helping to organize the response to emergencies that have included the 1985 Barrie tornado, and the pandemic planning that followed the initial SARS outbreak in 2001.
“Howard still puts as much time and effort in doing what he does best – helping people,” said Fraser. “Time and again, he has demonstrated great care and empathy for others. … Howard’s commitment to the Society has impacted so many.”
The Order of the Red Cross, member level, was presented to Courtney by his wife, Beulah, and pinned to his lapel as Zoom participants watched.
“I know how passionate Howard is to the Red Cross, but I have to tell you he’s even more passionate about his town of Innisfil,” said Mayor Lynn Dollin, noting Courtney operates the local food bank and a clothing drive for those in need. “You do it all with such compassion and a sense of humour."
“This is a big deal and it speaks volumes as to your character, your passion, your commitment to the community,” said Barrie-Innisfil MP John Brassard. “I know what you mean to our community, I know what you mean to our country, and many people. … You earned this.”
Red Cross volunteer Kerry Woodward credited Courtney with inspiring and mentoring her volunteer efforts.
“Howard was instrumental in providing guidance, understanding, a warm ear," said Woodward, who saluted his “commitment to the fundamental principles of Red Cross” and the impact he has had on so many people who've been touched by disaster.
South Simcoe Police Chief Andrew Fletcher also congratulated Courtney.
“You’ve always been such a great friend of our service,” the chief said. "You do make a difference in the lives of the community.”
Innisfil Rotarian Al Gilchrist said he met Courtney when Gilchrist was still a police officer in Barrie.
“Every time there was a major problem in town, you were there,” Gilchrist said.
Courtney’s sons, Gideon and Caleb, spoke of the impact of having a police scanner as part of their young lives, always tuned to listen for disasters, and the commitment that often had their father the first Red Cross responder on the scene.
“He was always happy to help,” said Caleb. “This is an extension of what he sees as living out his faith.”
“It’s great to have so many friends,” Courtney said after all had had their say. “It’s a privilege to be able to serve.”
