'The British Red Cross in the UK and the World', Isobel Thom

The talk on the Red Cross was given by Isobel Thom. The club heard that, founded in 1863, the Red Cross is the largest humanitarian organisation in the world and now operates in 189 countries.

The name Red Crescent is used in Muslim countries. In 1864  they were instrumental in setting up of the Geneva convention which seeks to care for the wounded, sick, homeless and prisoners in times of war.

Their mission statement states that the organisation helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. They are part of a global voluntary network, responding to conflicts and natural disasters wherever in the world they may occur. They also provide local support with supplementary health care services, fire and emergency support, home support, first aid courses and providing mobility aids to name but a few.

Red Cross funding is entirely made up of voluntary donations, receiving no government aid.

A vote of thanks was proposed by Alan Young.

Report by Alan Young