Greerton Red Cross is joining countries around the world in honouring those who donate their lives to help the lives of others.

World Red Cross Day is on May 8, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Red Cross and 152 years since the founding of the Red Cross.

There are 186 countries around the world that have a Red Cross service and are holding their own unique birthday celebrations.

In celebration, the Red Cross in Greerton is holding a display of memorabilia as donated from members of the public. The memorabilia includes many uniforms, certificates, photos and publications from over the years.

The Greerton centre is also holding a movie screening for Red Cross volunteers on May 10, along with free birthday cake. The movie focuses on Henry Dunant, winner of the first Nobel Peace prize and founder of the Red Cross. The film looks at willpower of an individual to improve the living conditions of all others.

The Red Cross is the largest humanitarian organisation in the world and continues to improve the lives of vulnerable people.

As well as internationally, the impact of Red Cross can be felt at home. The Tauranga service provides Meals on Wheels, First Aid training, People Saver courses, Breakfasts in Schools, as well as providing hospital transport, mobility aids and disaster response.