On May 8 each year, World Red Cross Day is observed globally, celebrating the people who make up Red Cross: over 14 million staff and active volunteers around the world who work to alleviate suffering and provide comfort and support when times get tough.    

May 8 was chosen because it is the birthdate of Henri Dunant, Swiss businessman, humanitarian and social activist. In 1859, during the Austro-Sardinian War, Dunant travelled to Italy to speak to Napoleon III about a business document he needed. He arrived in the city of Solferino on the evening of June 24, on the same day a battle had occurred nearby between the French and Austrian sides.

Forty thousand dead, dying and wounded remained on the battlefield and there appeared little attempt to provide care. Dunant took the initiative and persuaded the civilian population to provide assistance, caring equally for the wounded from both sides of the conflict. 

Returning to his home in Geneva, he wrote a book “A Memory of Solferino” which he sent to leading political and military figures throughout Europe. He advocated the formation of national voluntary relief organisations and called for the development of an international treaty to guarantee the protection of medics and field hospitals on the battlefield. 

A meeting of Dunant and four other men, on February 17, 1863, is considered the founding date of the International Committee of the Red Cross. On August 22, 1864, the First Geneva Convention was signed, guaranteeing relief to the wounded regardless of nationality and protection of medical personnel and establishments in armed conflicts. Subsequent Conventions and Protocols have strengthened International Humanitarian Law.  

Please join us, Gerringong Red Cross, at our upcoming fundraising efforts: our Devonshire tea stall at the Gerringong Markets on Saturday May 18 and each Sunday evening in May, from 5pm, for the community raffle at the Gerringong Bowlo. All enquiries to Ann on 0412 011 352.