Written by: Khristian Vickers

"El servicio para nuestra familia comenzó en Colombia hace más de 40 años. Hoy, en Tennessee, nos sentimos orgullosos de continuar ese legado juntos, ayudando a familias a superar algunos de los momentos más difíciles de sus vidas."

For Javier and Camilo Riviere, volunteering is more than a way to give back. It is a family legacy rooted in service, compassion and a commitment to helping others.

That legacy began in Colombia, when Javier first started serving communities through a civil defense organization. Decades later, those same values would inspire his son, Camilo, to join him in service, continuing a tradition that now helps families in Middle Tennessee recover from disasters and emergencies.

As American Red Cross volunteers, the father and son respond to home fires, support disaster relief efforts and participate in preparedness activities throughout their community. What began as a shared commitment to helping others has evolved into an opportunity to serve side by side while strengthening their bond as father and son.

"What started as a shared interest became a shared mission," said Javier. “Serving together has strengthened our relationship in many ways."

Their shared mission extends beyond disaster response. As native Spanish speakers, Javier and Camilo often provide an added layer of comfort for Hispanic families experiencing some of the most challenging moments of their lives. After a home fire or other disaster, navigating recovery can be overwhelming, especially for families facing language barriers.

"Being able to speak with them in Spanish often provides immediate comfort and reassurance,” said Javier.

For Javier and Camilo, those moments highlight the importance of representation and accessibility in disaster services. They have seen firsthand how communication in a family's preferred language can help build trust and provide clarity during a crisis.

The Red Cross is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to disaster relief and preparedness resources, regardless of the language they speak. Volunteers who reflect the communities they serve help make that mission possible, allowing more families to receive support, information and care when they need it most.

Their Hispanic heritage continues to shape the way they serve others. Grounded in values of family, community and solidarity, the duo views volunteering as both a responsibility and an opportunity to strengthen the communities they call home. Whether helping families recover after disasters or participating in home fire safety initiatives, they remain motivated by the knowledge that small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.

As Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities, Javier and Camilo hope their story encourages others to consider how they can make a difference through service.

Together, they represent more than a father and son volunteer team. They represent a legacy passed from one generation to the next, demonstrating how service can strengthen families, support communities and create meaningful connections across cultures.

For those considering volunteering, their message is simple: “You do not need special skills to make an impact. A willingness to help can go a long way toward bringing comfort, hope and support to people facing their greatest challenges.”

Javier and Camilo continue to prove that service is more than something you do. It is a legacy you leave behind.

Inspired by Javier and Camilo's story?

The American Red Cross is always looking for volunteers who are ready to make a difference in their communities. Whether you choose to respond to disasters, support blood drives or help families prepare for emergencies, there is a role for everyone.

Visit redcross.org/volunteer to learn how you can turn compassion into action and help those in need.