World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is an annual celebration that follows the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

The first Red Cross & Red Crescent Day was celebrated in 1948. The event was supported by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement; a humanitarian movement that aims to protect people's lives and health, reduce or prevent suffering, and ensure respect is given to all.

History

Before this celebration and after the end of World War I, there was an initiative known as the 'Red Cross Treaty'. It was originally a 3-day armistice in former Czechoslovakia, taking place during Easter.

At that time, there was a general consensus that people wanted peace after years of fighting.

The Red Cross Agreement led the way for a global peace initiative to be launched. After the Second World War, and after the approval of the Executive Committee of the Red Cross, the proposal for a worldwide day of peace was accepted.

The first Red Cross & Red Crescent Day was celebrated in 1948 on May 8th, which coincides with the birthday of Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross. Every year, Red Cross & Red Crescent Day is supported by Red Cross organizations around the world.

Some amazing truths about this day you may not know

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is the annual celebration of the key principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is a global humanitarian network with millions of members, staff and volunteers. Their purpose is to be on the front lines where there are natural disasters, conflicts, health or social problems and to help those in needs. This organization includes the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies as well as 191 national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies worldwide.

It's not easy for those who volunteer to do this work every day - so this day celebrates the work they do and highlights the many areas they work in, assisting with disaster relief, preparing for natural disasters and education for the public.

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is significant because it marks the birth of Henry Dunant born in 1828. Henry Dunant was the founder of the committee. Red Cross and received the first Nobel Peace Prize.

What do you do in World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day?

World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is the perfect opportunity for parents and teachers to talk to their children about the importance of World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day around the world.

Why not mark World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day by learning about Red Cross and disaster relief activities? Or check out the hospital's resources and 'Our Helpers' to help develop your child's knowledge of the important roles other key staff members play.

The provision of blood collection organs is the main focus of the Red Cross. Donating blood is the most effective way to support the Red Cross. In the US, nearly 5 million people need blood transfusions each year. The amount of blood donated by the Red Cross is enough for 21,000 blood transfusions per day.

The work of the Red Cross also includes first aid, emergency response, health and social care, disaster preparedness, refugee services, and helping people find missing families. In times of war, the Red Cross helps protect people in armed conflict.