On the 8th May philanthropical health care professionals around the globe will come together to celebrate World Red Cross Day.

British Red Cross / CC by

A very special day on the international charity calendar, World Red Cross Day celebrates one of the world’s most important humanitarian charities, helping people truly in need. The Red Cross step into conflict zones, natural disasters and challenging cases in the local community to ensure people are receiving the due care they need.

The charity was founded over 150 years ago by a Swiss businessman, Henry Dunant, after seeing the aftermath of a battle in the Franco-Austrian War. Dunant witnessed around 40,000 soldiers dead or left wounded in the field. So shocked by the lack of medical attention and basic care, Dunant began coming to their aid, and succeeded in organising an overwhelming level of relief for soldiers of both sides with no discrimination. Upon his return to Geneva he began the Committee of Five, with 4 other Swiss businessman. From there they created The International Committee for Relief to the Wounded, which would aid wounded soldiers and protect medics in the field providing them with a white arm band that bore a red cross.

Henry Dunant

The date of World Red Cross Day is significant as it lands on the birth date of founder, Henry Dunant. He was born on 8th May, 1828 and as a result of his commitment to helping those in need, he was the first ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.

The first World Red Cross Day was celebrated in 1948, and has been a successful way of highlighting peace and raising much needed funds for nearly 60 years. Things have changed massively in the century and a half since the charity’s beginnings, from the charity’s first Red Cross shops being opened, to the present day where they have their very own eBay store to raise funds.

Currently the Red Cross’ biggest appeal is to raise money for the Nepal Earthquake, a catastrophic disaster that has taken over 5,000 lives. To support the Red Cross or make a difference for Red Cross Day please visit the British Red Cross website.

If you would like information on Openhouse, a medical bag supplier to charities like the Red Cross and medical professionals throughout the UK, then please get in touch with our expert team now.