World Red Cross Day is an international day that is dedicated to alleviating human suffering, upholding human dignity, protecting life, and preventing emergencies and natural disasters such as flood, epidemics, and earthquakes. The fundamental principles recognized during World Red Cross Day are impartiality, humanity, independence, neutrality, voluntary, universality, and unity. All components of Red Cross organizations uphold and respect these principles.
World Red Cross Day is meant to inspire, facilitate and also promote all humanitarian activities that are carried out by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and National Societies which are its members. This is the day when members of the international Red Cross movement raise the need in assisting suffering people. People are reminded of the need of protecting their lives as well as the dignity of the victims of any armed conflicts and all situations of violence.
Every year 8th May is celebrated as World Red Cross Day to honor the International Red Cross Crescent Movement founder Henry Dunant, who was born on this day in 1828. National Societies that are affiliates to ICRC celebrates the World Red Cross Day in their countries to raise the need of protecting life. This event highlights international services such as the reunion of separated family members through the Red Cross. All attendees of this even learn about the founder of the Red Cross, Henry Dunant, and are motivated and encouraged to take part in life saving activities.
During World Red Cross Day local heroes that have made an invaluable impact on life protection are recognized in various categories such as law enforcement, military, fire and rescue, community champion, and humanitarian awards. Various organizations are recognized based on the effort in life protection. Local communities are inspired to take part in voluntary activities to protect human beings and animals. Various Red Cross movements visit people affected by natural disasters or armed conflicts. This celebration is also marked by visiting detainees to show them that, regardless of the reasons of their incarceration, they are still treated with dignity in line with the international norms. The main message delivered during World Red Cross Day is treat all people with hospitality, dignity and humanity.
The governor of Edo state was made a grand patron in the society ,
Obaseki partners Red Cross on emergency management in Edo
... honoured as state patron of Red Cross Society
...Pledges two ambulances, lifts ban on social clubs in schools
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has expressed readiness to establish an ambulance service and a toll-free line to enable citizens access first responders in cases of emergency.
Obaseki disclosed this during his investiture as state patron of the Red Cross Society, Edo State Chapter, held at Government House, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
He pledged to continue to support humanitarian bodies and donated two ambulances to the Red Cross Society, Edo State Chapter, to enhance its services to during emergencies.
"You are part of our healthcare infrastructure and ecosystem. We will actively collaborate with the society," he said.
The governor stressed the importance of mobilising students for social and humanitarian work, noting, “This is the kind of society we should all actively support as we begin to regenerate our society. I am committed to the society's ideals as I was a junior member of Red Cross Society in my primary school days. I appeal to us to look at ways of expanding our membership in educational institutions from primary to tertiary levels. We should pursue active membership and make members be aware and conscious of the role of Red Cross in the society.”
He promised to persuade members of his executive councils to become members of the society to help expand its impact, noting that the government will work with the Red Cross in combating Lassa Fever.
“We are also concerned about Lassa Fever outbreak and we responded swiftly to the issue. We helped the Teaching Hospital in Irrua with facilities to help combat the spread of the disease,” he said.
Obaseki ordered the lifting of the ban on social clubs in schools to enable Red Cross Society operate in public schools as they already have a presence in private schools across the state.
Earlier, State Chairman, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Mr. Festus Alenkhe, commended the state governor for his developmental strides, especially in the area of infrastructural development.
He said May 8 was set aside as Red Cross Day globally to celebrate the life of the society’s founder. He said Red Cross, Switzerland, was in the state recently to collaborate with the state Red Cross Society to curb Lassa Fever, train indigenes of Uyi, Ehor and Eguare on how to prevent and manage the disease.
World Red Cross Day is also celebrated through blood donation. People are encouraged to donate blood to save the lives of people in need of blood. This is another way in which people show humanity. Red Cross officials assemble in various local towns or schools and encourage locals to voluntarily donate blood. In addition, World Red Cross Day is also celebrated through fund raising and donations. Local natives, societies, non-governmental organizations, companies, and many other types of organizations are encouraged to make their contribution to a certain account to raise money for assisting a dying life. Every person is encouraged to contribute money based on their capacity. The money is used to pay health bills of needy patients and providing food to people affected by natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes. Religious organizations are taking part in World Red Cross Day by visiting sick people and making contributions.
World Red Cross Day Observances
HOLIDAY NAME
WedMay 08, 2013
World Red Cross Day
ThuMay 08, 2014
World Red Cross Day
FriMay 08, 2015
World Red Cross Day
SunMay 08, 2016
World Red Cross Day
MonMay 08, 2017
World Red Cross Day
TueMay 08, 2018
World Red Cross Day