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Get ready to recognize and honor the incredible humanitarian work of the Red Cross and Red Crescent organizations on World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day! This day is celebrated every year on May 8, in honor of the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, who founded the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1863. These organizations have been providing aid and support to people in need all around the world for over a century. From disaster relief to blood donations, their impact has been immeasurable. So let's take a moment to appreciate their efforts and spread awareness about their important mission on this special day.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1863</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Red Cross Founded</div><div class='timeline-text'>Henry Dunant founds the International Committee of the Red Cross.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1876</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Adoption of Red Crescent</div><div class='timeline-text'>Ottoman Empire uses the Red Crescent emblem during Russo-Turkish War (1876-1878) marking its first use.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1919</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Formation of Federation</div><div class='timeline-text'>The League of Red Cross Societies, now the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), is founded.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1922</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First World Red Cross Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first official World Red Cross Day celebrations took place globally on May 8.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1977</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Protocol Addition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The addition of a protocol to the Geneva Conventions officially recognized the Red Crescent and Red Lion and Sun emblems.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1983</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Title Change</div><div class='timeline-text'>World Red Cross Day became World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day to honor the movement globally.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to the Red Cross or Red Crescent</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>One of the best ways to celebrate World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is by making a donation to support their humanitarian efforts around the world. Every little bit helps make a difference.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a local chapter</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get involved in your community by volunteering at a local chapter of the Red Cross or Red Crescent. You can help with disaster relief efforts, blood drives, or other important initiatives.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about the history and mission of the organizations</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to educate yourself about the history and mission of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. This will give you a deeper understanding and appreciation for their work and impact on the world.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a first aid or disaster preparedness workshop</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Help your community become more prepared and knowledgeable by organizing a first aid or disaster preparedness workshop with the Red Cross or Red Crescent. This is a great way to spread awareness and potentially save lives.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a fundraising event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather your friends and family together for a fundraising event to support the Red Cross or Red Crescent. This could be anything from a charity run to a bake sale, and it will help raise funds and awareness for their important work.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It recognizes the importance of humanitarian aid</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is a reminder of the incredible work that these organizations do to provide humanitarian aid and support to those in need. It's a day to honor their efforts and the impact they have on communities around the world.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes the values of humanity and compassion</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement - humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality - are at the core of their mission. World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day serves as a reminder for all of us to embody these values in our daily lives.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness and encourages action</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By recognizing World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, we are also raising awareness about the various humanitarian crises happening around the world. It encourages individuals to take action, whether it's through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the message of compassion and support for those in need.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Red Cross emblem is not a religious symbol</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite common belief, the Red Cross is not a Christian symbol. Its design was reverse-engineered from the Swiss flag, as a tribute to Switzerland, where the first Geneva Convention was held.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It's Present in almost every country</h3><p class='facts-content'>There are Red Cross and Red Crescent societies in 192 countries around the world. This wide presence makes the organization one of the most universally recognized humanitarian groups.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It is view as Neutral by Law</h3><p class='facts-content'>International law recognizes the Red Cross and Red Crescent organizations as neutral entities. This allows them to provide aid during armed conflicts without being targeted as sides of the conflict.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Founder of Red Cross won the first Nobel Peace Prize</h3><p class='facts-content'>Henry Dunant, who founded the International Committee of the Red Cross, was co-recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901. The organization itself has received three Nobel Peace Prizes in 1917, 1944, and 1963.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Red Cross has its own university</h3><p class='facts-content'>The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies operates the Red Cross Red Crescent Learning Network, a global learning platform that offers more than 400 online courses to the public for free.</p></div></div>
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is celebrated on May 8 every year. In 2024 World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day will occur on a Wednesday.
2023
May 8
Monday
2024
May 8
Wednesday
2025
May 8
Thursday
2026
May 8
Friday
2027
May 8
Saturday
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