By Alana Mauger

Today, May 8th, is World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day — a time to recognize and show gratitude to the more than 14 million dedicated volunteers around the world who are responding to emergencies and crises.

Every day, Red Crossers are out in local communities, helping those in need and making a difference in the lives of others. This year, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is asking people to demonstrate acts of kindness through the #BeHumanKIND campaign.

A statement from the IFRC states, “We know the world can feel tough and scary right now. These past months and years have been marked by multiple crises that have spared no one and have hit the most vulnerable people the hardest —from escalating conflicts, COVID-19, the climate crisis and humanitarian emergencies.”

IFRC says, despite the challenges, there’s so much hope and humanity can be found in acts of kindness.

Amid the unbearable suffering and tragedy of the Ukraine crisis, Red Crossers have sprung into action, helping the most vulnerable in times of need. From providing emergency aid to people seeking safety and to improving conditions for those in harm’s way and offering comfort and care to those who’ve fled the conflict, the Red Cross is there with open arms.

More than 42,000 volunteers and staff are working tirelessly to help people and communities impacted by the devastation in Ukraine. Their work is particularly evident at border crossings and train stations. Under mortal danger to themselves, these Red Cross teams are working tirelessly to help people and communities impacted by conflict. By offering a warm meal after a harrowing journey, providing emotional support to those who are suffering or providing critical items to mothers and children, Red Crossers continue to show their kindness and dedication.

Red Cross officials say that acts of kindness are all around us and each act, no matter how big or small, matters. Caring for others makes a huge difference in the lives of others and acts of kindness have the power to spark a ripple effect, to multiply, to spread across communities, countries and the whole world.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is comprised of 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, with 160,000 local branches and around 14 million volunteers worldwide, as well as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). It’s estimated that one in every 636 people in the world is a Red Cross or Red Crescent volunteer.

For more information about the global Red Cross network, visit the Mission and Values section of our website.