Charity: British Red Cross
Wherever there is a crisis, there is often suffering and the British Red Cross is a charity which has been helping people to recover from crisis for over one hundred years. It is one of three humanitarian movements and makes up one third of the largest independent humanitarian organisation in the world. The other two parts are the International Red Cross and the Red Crescent movement who provide disaster relief and development of poorer countries
The British Red Cross is a huge organisation with 32 thousand active volunteers, the longest service being 82 years. In 2005 they raised 116 million pounds, and manage to train 150,000 people in first aid per year. Not only do the British Red Cross have volunteers who travel to help those in need, but they have 361 independent charity shops with volunteer retail assistants across the UK to raise extra funds.
A Swiss businessman called Henry Dunant founded the British Red Cross in 1863. Henry bore witness to the horrors of the Battle of Solferino in 1859 and sought to change the ways in which soldiers are cared for.
Dunant also created the Geneva conventions in conjunction with the foundation of the British Red Cross, and are documents setting the standards for the treatment of prisoners of war and those in combat.
Since then, this charity has dedicated itself to the welfare of people across the UK whether they are recovering from a local emergency (e.g. floods and fires), dealing with bereavement or illness, needing first aid training to help the community or reuniting with families. The British Red Cross also works around the world providing much needed community healthcare, reducing the negative effects of war and conflict on citizens and responding to disaster.
What makes the British Red Cross unique is it’s religious and cultural neutrality. The movement will offer aid in areas and countries that other organisations will not due to differences in religious opinion and belief. The Red Cross maintains their neutrality by being an independent organisation.
There are several ways to donate to the British Red Cross, including auctioning items on Ebay, asking friends and family to donate rather than giving you wedding, anniversary or birthday gifts and simply by donating money. Donations to the British Red Cross charity must be a minimum of £2 per month, and can be paid monthly, quarterly or annually via direct debit or paypal.
Filed under: Disaster Fund Charities