Significance
World Red Cross Day is marked
across the globe every year on May 8, to observe the principles of
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The day also marks the
appreciation for the volunteers who always step to help those in need.
History
This day was chosen to be
remembered as the World Red Cross Day because the Founder of the International
Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Henry Dunant, who was also the recipient of
the first Nobel Peace Prize, was born on May 8 in 1828.
About Red Cross Society
The Red Cross Society aims to
inspire, initiate and create the urge to undertake humanitarian tasks at all
times necessary, so that humans do not have to suffer. In line with this, the
tasks that the Red Cross Society performs can be widely distinguished into four
types – furthering the principles and values of humanitarian cause, response to
disasters, preparedness for disasters and health and care.
Moreover, there are seven
principles on which the Red Cross Society functions. These are neutrality,
humanity, independence, voluntary, impartiality, universality and unity.
How to observe?
Traditionally, people all over the world used to donate blood on this day to mark the occasion.