Our Mission

  • Mission statement

    Team Rubicon Canada unites skilled military veterans with first responders to serve disaster-affected communities at home and abroad.

  • What’s with the name?

    Team

    Emphasizes the organization’s military ethos of small, cohesive units.

    Rubicon

    The river in northeastern Italy that divided the Roman Republic from Gaul.

    When Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon at the head of his legions and marched on Rome, it marked a point of no return. The phrase “crossing the Rubicon” has since survived in reference to any group committing itself to a risky course of action. On January 17th, 2010, despite advice from the government and large aid organizations not to proceed, Team Rubicon members crossed the Artibonite River separating the Dominican Republic and Haiti, carrying crucial gear and medical supplies to the people of Port-au-Prince. Once across, they were irrevocably committed to their task. Hence the name Team Rubicon.

  • Team Rubicon Canada’s primary mission is to provide disaster response services to those in need, domestically or internationally. By pairing the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders, Team Rubicon Canada aims to provide the greatest service and impact possible.
  • Through continued service, Team Rubicon Canada seeks to provide our veterans with three things they lose after leaving the military: purpose, gained through disaster relief; community, built by serving with others; and self-worth, from recognizing the impact one individual can make. Coupled with leadership development and other opportunities, Team Rubicon Canada helps veterans transition from military to civilian life.

  • What’s with the logo?

    The Team Rubicon Canada logo consists primarily of a cross turned on its side with a river flowing through it. The cross represents the traditional symbol of medical aid. It is on its side because Team Rubicon represents such a departure from the current paradigm in disaster response. The river flowing through the cross represents the Rubicon River and marks Team Rubicon Canada’s commitment to reinventing disaster relief.

  • Service Principles

    Service above self is the driving force behind all of Team Rubicon Canada’s operational activity. Our actions are characterized by the constant pursuit to prevent or alleviate human suffering and restore human dignity. We help people on their worst days.

  • Tenacity: We conduct all operations carrying forth the same grit, determination, courage and strength of purpose the organization was born with.

    Impartiality: We make no restrictions based on ethnic origin, nationality, political allegiance, military background, religion, gender or sexuality. We deliver aid prioritized by need, and accept and develop members who maximize our effectiveness. Period.

    Collaboration: To promote effectiveness, we build relationships with outstanding people and organizations. We partner with exceptional entities that are aligned with our core mission and increase our overall capacity to serve.

    Accountability: We earn trust and confidence by maximizing our impact and maintaining fiscal and operational transparency. Critical evaluation ensures the welfare of beneficiaries and members; effectiveness of operations; efficient use of funding; and good governance.

    Innovation: Established norms beg to be tested. We creatively leverage resources to meet the needs of the ever-changing disaster landscape while respectfully pushing against dated practices, always striving to provide greater service to those in need.