Celebrating World Red Cross Day

Have you ever wanted to learn more about first aid and CPR, or have been impacted by emergencies such as flooding, house fires, earthquakes or other major disasters?

No matter what kind of incident emerges, the Canadian Red Cross, which is one of the most active charity organizations in Canada, works to assist those in need. From providing vital relief services to offering a range of preparedness courses that allow people to acquire greater skills, the Canadian Red Cross strives to provide important support to individuals.

On May 8, the Canadian Red Cross will observe World Red Cross Day. This international event raises awareness of the humanitarian acts that the Red Cross Movement engages in each day, and also helps increase knowledge of the great needs that exist around the world during emergencies and disasters.

Who is Henry Dunant?
World Red Cross Day honours the valuable contributions that volunteers, staff and other supporters of the 187 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies that comprise the Red Cross Movement as a whole.

The event is also a great opportunity to learn more about the Red Cross' history, beginning with its founder Henry Dunant. In 1859 while visiting Italy, Dunant observed soldiers who had been wounded at a battle in Solferino and left unattended.

As Dunant encouraged members of the community to help all those in need, he developed the idea of forming a unique organization with a mission to deliver humanitarian aid to all - it was then that the Red Cross was born.

The Red Cross has evolved considerably in the years since, and in Canada alone, more than 2.2 million people were assisted, trained or educated by the organization last year.

Help those in need
On World Red Cross Day, what better way to make a difference in the lives of others than by showing your support for the Canadian Red Cross?

Each day, the organization plays a pivotal role in providing relief to those affected by hardships and other negative situations - a fact that highlights how extensive the Canadian Red Cross' work is in the country and abroad.

Please donate online or contact your local office to learn more about how you can help.