Two days ago I returned from my first-ever deployment with Team Rubicon Canada. I was dispatched to Jasper on Operation Wildrose to assist with the sifting operation after the wildfire devastated nearly a third of the town.   The day we got the news that Jasper was burning, I knew I would go there to help the … Read More

By Izzy H. on Oct 16

Home after two weeks in Alberta, Canada as part of a seven-person Taskforce Kiwi contingent supporting Team Rubicon Canada in the aftermath of the devastating wildfire that flattened more than 350 homes in the breathtakingly beautiful town of Jasper. Op Wild Rose is an ongoing recovery operation providing those that have lost their homes access … Read More

By Katrina Renshaw on Oct 04

This was my first deployment with Team Rubicon, and I was scared. I got to Prince Edward Island sweating. Some people are still recovering from Fiona’s devastation, and in PEI, it’s not over yet. I didn’t really know what I was doing, but I never let that stop me before. Once I stopped sweating, I … Read More

By Chris Saulnier on Dec 31

I’m Greyshirt, Sydney Gerzymisch, from the Kawartha Lakes, Ontario.   In September of this year, I was all set to go to a work event in Charlottetown, PEI. A few days after we arrived, we got the notice that the work event was cancelled due to incoming Hurricane Fiona. So rather than working, we ended … Read More

By Sydney Gerzymisch on Nov 25

A veteran’s search for service leads her to Kentucky  Jayne Reilly served in the Canadian military for seven years, receiving a medical discharge after deploying to Afghanistan. She returned home, joined the Reserves, and became a yoga instructor for the next 15 years. Going from soldier to yoga instructor might seem unusual and weird, but not … Read More

By Thomas Brown on Nov 09

Wildfires have been growing in intensity and frequency all around the world, and the U.S. state of Colorado is no exception. In the fall of 2020, a small fire started near the East Troublesome Creek in Grand County and was whipped by high winds into the second-most destructive fire in the state’s history. When the … Read More

By The Admin on Jul 28

Saturday, May 21st, was a momentous day for Doris McFadden and her family, who live in Peterborough, Ontario. That evening a tornado struck her home, downing a large maple tree and other smaller trees in her backyard. The tornado had also destroyed one shed, severely damaged another, and covered her property in several feet of … Read More

By Francois de la Roche on Jun 30

In October 2020, a team of Greyshirts deployed in Texas, quickly went from disaster response to life savers in a few short moments. When a young man they were assisting experienced a medical emergency, and began bleeding profusely, the team was able to use their medical knowledge, skills, and the first aid supplies on hand … Read More

By Kim Scanlan on May 11

The phrase “crossing the Rubicon” is an idiom that implies a person is passing a point of no return. It alludes to the crossing of the Rubicon River by Julius Caesar in January 49 BC. Volunteer Colette Ainsworth had her own “crossing the river” moment when she was part of a team of 22 volunteers … Read More

By David DeRocco on May 11

For some mothers and daughters, quality time together could be cooking or baking or going out for brunch. For others it’s picking up a chainsaw to clear out debris after a tornado. Their first step, their first taste of solid food, the first day of school, these are some of a mother’s fondest memories of … Read More

By Helen Lialias on May 09

April is national volunteer month and we’re taking a look at why our Canadian Greyshirts decided to join and volunteer with Team Rubicon Canada (TRC).  Our Greyshirt spotlight this month features Eric Depenau who is the Deputy Administrator for the Prince George Metro. He is a Lieutenant in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Primary Reserve and spent time with the BC Wildfire Service from 2011 – 2020.  When I joined … Read More

By Helen Lialias on Apr 27