Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), together with fellow members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, is marking World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day.
The day is observed every year on May 8.
This year also marks the centenary of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which was established in 1919.
“Over the year, the world celebrates the power of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, as well as the contributions of staff and more than 12mn active volunteers. Under the theme of #Love, the celebration is aimed at making the movement widely visible, by highlighting its diverse and global scope of work. Also, it seeks to mobilise the sentiment towards the movement in promoting the dedication and influence of Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers,” a press statement noted.
Commemorating the birthday of the movement’s founder, Henry Dunant, the day embodies the work done by national societies in their respective countries, supporting millions of persons at times of war, disaster and emergency, the statement added.
“With more than 150 years behind, the movement is committed to providing relevant and timely aid for vulnerable communities. This is a legacy of the past, the present and the future.”
“As part of the movement, we have intensified our efforts to help the victims of disasters and conflicts around the world,” said Ali bin Hassan al-Hammadi, secretary-general of QRCS. “We also work to serve the Qatari community across a wide range of fields and target groups.”
According to al-Hammadi, the overall aid provided by QRCS over the past three years amounted to above QR1bn, used to fund hundreds of relief, development and social projects for up to 30mn beneficiaries within and outside Qatar.
The celebration is taking place under the theme of #Love.
