When is World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day?
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day occurs on May 8th.
What is World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day?
When a tsunami strikes, it’s a mess. Not only is there a shortage of food and shelter, but there’s a high risk of widespread epidemic. It’s nice to be able to call on the experts. World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day celebrates the millions of people worldwide engaged in humanitarian work.
People need people. Under normal circumstances, we rely on our community to help us when personal disaster strikes. Red Cross and Red Crescent societies leap to the aid of entire communities in need. They mobilize volunteers for catastrophes like floods, military conflicts, and earthquakes.
They help with smaller disasters too. Volunteers assist with injury recovery, building homes for the homeless, supporting abuse survivors, and many other actions that build communities.
The world needs more selfless people. Every day, people commit themselves to helping their fellow humans, sacrificing time and energy for vulnerable and hurting people. World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is the chance to honor the folks doing this around the world.
Fun facts about World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day!
Volunteers accomplish 90% of the humanitarian work performed by the Red Cross.
The Red Cross emblem is a color reversal of the Swiss flag.
The Red Crescent symbol was adopted in 1939 as a color reversal of the Ottoman Empire’s flag. It has been adopted by 33 states in the Muslim world.
The League of Red Cross Societies took on the name “League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies” in 1983 because the number of groups operating under the Red Crescent was growing.
The organization got its current name, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, in 1991.
How to celebrate World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day:
Research volunteer positions near you. Find out what it would take to offer your time to humanitarian work in your local area, or even globally.
Donate blood or platelets. It could save someone’s life.
Donate to Red Cross or Red Crescent efforts in your area.
What’s the hashtag for World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day?
Use #WorldRedCrossAndRedCrescentDay on social media to promote the work these folks do.