World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day
May 8 · Level 9 · #405 of 2238
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day recognises the people who help communities affected by conflict, disasters and other emergencies. It celebrates the movement's staff and volunteers, whose humanitarian work responds to need wherever they encounter it.
How it is celebrated: national societies thank volunteers, introduce their work to the public and organise first-aid sessions. Blood donation activities and community events also feature in local programmes.
The date is Henry Dunant's birthday. A founder of the movement, he was also one of the two recipients of the very first Nobel Peace Prize, awarded in 1901.