Celebrating World Red Cross Day

Today is World Red Cross day and Tauranga’s Red Cross centres are celebrating the day with free cake - urging all residents to join them in celebrating the organisation’s birthday.

Joining the 180 countries across the globe, the service centres in Greerton, Cameron Road and Mount Maunganui are commemorating the 184th birthday of Red Cross founder Henry Dunant.

Red Cross events co-ordinator Heather Dabrowski celebrates World Red Cross Day.

Red Cross events co-ordinator Heather Dabrowski says the day is all about celebrating Henry’s legacy and recognising the efforts of volunteers.

She says the Bay of Plenty has been more than generous with their time, with more than 550 volunteers working for the Red Cross Appeal in March.

“It’s a great opportunity to tank everyone, all the volunteers and supporters.”

This morning Heather is teaming up with Tauranga Girls’ College students delivering soft toys to children at Tauranga Hospital, before visiting the three centres including Greerton where there is an extensive month long display of historic memorabilia.

“That will be really nice.”

Heather says this year’s celebration is focused on young people.

“This year the theme for World Red Cross Day is ‘Youth on the Move’, and I want to take this opportunity to extend our sincere thanks to the hundreds of wonderful young people who make such an incredible contribution assisting Red Cross fundraising and activities in the Tauranga area.”

The Red Cross is the largest humanitarian organisation in the world and locally delivers Meals on Wheels, first aid training, AEDs and kits, looks after hospital flowers for patients, and presents numerous other community programmes.