Dose of Awe: In a year of climate extremes, here are the heroes who stepped up

From coast-to-coast, Canadian communities were hit hard by climate impacts like wildfires, extreme heat, and storms. 

But the story isn’t just about destruction. Everywhere you look, people showed up for each other.

These are just a few of the extraordinary acts of care and courage from people across Canada that remind us what’s possible when we stand together.

Raymond Robinson leading his grandchildren to safety

When a fast-moving wildfire threatened the community of Cross Lake, Manitoba earlier this year, Raymond Robinson had just three hours to evacuate. 

But it wasn’t just him. Raymond was also responsible for getting his 19 grandchildren to safety. He shares, “It was the scariest moment out of everything I have ever experienced.”

Despite his fear, Raymond jumped to action.

With the airport closed by heavy smoke, the only way out was an overcrowded ferry with an eight-hour wait. Raymond rented a van, made multiple trips to get every child, and helped guide his family through a two-day journey to Winnipeg.

This act of courage in the face of unimaginable circumstances kept all 19 children safe. 

Volunteer firefighters holding the line in Musgrave Harbour

In central Newfoundland, a large wildfire forced more than 900 people from their homes in July. Volunteer firefighters from Musgrave Harbour stepped in with everything they had.

“I got guys here that flew in (Monday) morning that were away on turnarounds, guys that work on supply boats off the island, guys that work in construction in Ontario. Everybody came home, came together,” said the town’s mayor and deputy chief of the town’s volunteer fire brigade, Jason Chaulk.

Many slept on air mattresses in the fire hall so they could work around the clock. Neighbours, churches, and local volunteers supported evacuees with meals, shelter, and even a fun kitchen-party-style morale boost.

“We have a host of volunteers who make this job very light,” Mayor Chaulk said. “You can depend upon them. They know how to lead, they know how to do the work, and they truly do it out of love and compassion.”

Local organization keeping people safe in extreme heat in Ottawa

“These are the guys we see every day, this is our community… so it’s important that no one gets left behind during weather events like this,” shared Ottawa Mission front-line supervisor Catherine.

During August’s intense heatwave, Catherine and the staff from the Ottawa Mission walked the streets handing out cold water, checking on people, and watching for signs of heat stress among unhoused neighbours.

“The Mission is a great example of people coming together to try to serve the community as best we can.” Catherine said.

Youth stand up to protect their communities from wildfires

“It was devastating. Watching a lot of people cry over their homes and stuff was sad. It makes me want to go out and try and help others.”

Joseph Noskye, 18, reflected on the wildfire that tore through his community of Sturgeon Lake First Nation in 2023. 

It’s what inspired him to be one of over 400 youth from Yukon to New Brunswick, who participated in training to learn how to defend their communities from wildfires in 2025. 

The free program run by National Indigenous Fire Safety Council (NIFSC) is empowering young people with the skills to keep their community safe today, and to build a future where they can be the ones protecting it.

Sturgeon Lake Elder Barb Goodswimmer shared, “They stepped up today and that gives me hope that one day they are going to fight our fires. I know we’re going to be safe in the end.”