Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) marked yesterday the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day.
QRCS is joining a global celebration of the work and bravery of Red Crescent volunteers, and the diverse humanitarian services they offer in communities everywhere, the QRCS said in a press release.
“Our volunteers live in the communities they support, from the smallest and most remote villages to the largest cities,” said Ali bin Hassan al-Hammadi, Secretary-General of QRCS.
“Our services are tailored for local needs and delivered in local languages”.
“Today is when the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement come together to thank our volunteers who give their time and their expertise here in Qatar, and all over the world,” he added.
QRCS reaches out to more than 7mn people every year, with a diverse range of services tailored to local needs.
From emergency relief, healthcare, food, water, and shelter to disaster resilience and livelihood, it helps people to prepare for, cope with, and recover from crises.
Every year, around the world, the Movement supports more than 160mn people affected by conflict, natural disasters, and other emergencies, through its network of around 14mn volunteers and 450,000 staff.
Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers are as diverse as the life-saving services they provide through 190 National Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). This local action is supported by the global reach of IFRC, ICRC, as well as partnerships with sister National Societies across the world.
Al-Hammadi said: “Whatever you are living through — a natural disaster, a health crisis, the effects of conflict or violence — we are here to support you”.
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is celebrated every 8 May — the birthday of the Movement’s founder Henry Dunant.
It recognises the bravery and dedication of volunteers and staff members around the world.
2018 is the 190th anniversary of Dunant’s birth, mirroring the 190 National Societies providing humanitarian support in communities large and small every day.