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This includes handing out hygiene kits, blankets and baby supplies such as diapers and formula. Basic health care services are also offered with the help of a nurse on site, and the option of transporting people to hospital for more serious health care needs.

Carl Boisvert, spokesperson for the Canadian Red Cross in Montreal, says volunteers offer food and shelter to asylum seekers from the time they arrive in Canada until they are cleared by border security officials to proceed to Montreal or Toronto to await a hearing at the Immigration and Refugee Board — a period that can last a few days.

“We make sure that they are safe and we are taking care of them,” said Boisvert.

Most asylum seekers who arrive in Canada are simply seeking a better life after fleeing their home countries due to war and violence, Boisvert says.

When they arrive, they are warmly welcomed.

“I’m proud to be in this position,” he said.

“(The asylum seekers) crossed borders and we know it is very difficult. They’ve made hard choices. And just being there to help them and say, ‘Hi, welcome to Canada, the Red Cross can take care of you, we’re going to provide you shelter, food and just make sure you are safe, for now,’ I know there were some volunteers who were there who were saying they are honoured to just help other humans, even for a short time.”

Despite the fact these individuals are “illegally” crossing the Canada-U.S. border, Canada detains only a fraction of them.