Canadian Red Cross 75th Anniversary Stamp
In August 1889, the Portuguese government authorized the use of a special postage stamp for the exclusive use of that country’s Red Cross Society, the Cruz Vermelha. Since then, stamps have honoured the work of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world and have occasionally been used as a means of fundraising during war and humanitarian crises. As a result, the Red Cross has become a popular subject among topical stamp collectors.
On May 28, 1984, Canada Post issued a stamp to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the parliamentary act which incorporated the Canadian Red Cross. Designed by William Tibbles using a photograph taken by Clive Webster, the stamp depicts a service medal given to those with 10 years of distinguished contributions to the organization. Twenty million copies were produced. Two Red Cross First Day Covers and a commemorative booklet featuring the stamp were also produced.
The 1984 stamp was the second Canadian stamp honouring the Red Cross to be produced. The first was issued to commemorate the 18th International Conference, which was held in Toronto from July 23 to August 9, 1952. Delegates were the primary recipients of the 2,000 copies printed of the official First Day Covers, though some were reserved for Red Cross workers assisting the gathering. An official communication noted that at the time it was only the third Canadian stamp printed in two colours.
In August 1889, the Portuguese government authorized the use of a special postage stamp for the exclusive use of that country’s Red Cross Society, the Cruz Vermelha. Since then, stamps have honoured the work of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world and have occasionally been used as a means of fundraising during war and humanitarian crises. As a result, the Red Cross has become a popular subject among topical stamp collectors.
On May 28, 1984, Canada Post issued a stamp to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the parliamentary act which incorporated the Canadian Red Cross. Designed by William Tibbles using a photograph taken by Clive Webster, the stamp depicts a service medal given to those with 10 years of distinguished contributions to the organization. Twenty million copies were produced. Two Red Cross First Day Covers and a commemorative booklet featuring the stamp were also produced.
The 1984 stamp was the second Canadian stamp honouring the Red Cross to be produced. The first was issued to commemorate the 18th International Conference, which was held in Toronto from July 23 to August 9, 1952. Delegates were the primary recipients of the 2,000 copies printed of the official First Day Covers, though some were reserved for Red Cross workers assisting the gathering. An official communication noted that at the time it was only the third Canadian stamp printed in two colours.
