May 08, 2007	Tuesday	Rabi-us-Sani 20, 1428

ISLAMABAD, May 7: The ‘World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day’ will be observed on Wednesday.

May 8 marks the birth of the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Henry Dunant, the Canadian Red Cross reported.

May 8th was chosen as the World Red Cross Day to honour the birthday of Mr Dunant, the Swiss founder of the Red Cross. His idea of a volunteer-based humanitarian organization has grown into an international movement consisting of 185 member Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Mr Dunant founded the ICRC in an effort to alleviate human suffering, ultimately leading to the formation of the Movement. Today, the Movement is the largest humanitarian network in the world and assists more than 233 million people worldwide each year. United by a global network of 97 million volunteers and 185 National Societies —all sharing a commitment to assist the most vulnerable people— the International Movement of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Movement) recognises this day as an annual reminder of the lasting work and commitment of the Red Cross family.

The World Red Cross Day is also observed in appreciation and encouragement of humanitarian work around the world.

The volunteers of the Red Cross prove each day that one person can make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable people everywhere.

People all over the world, united in their belief in humanity and their desire to make the world a better place, will recognize past achievements and look towards a better future.—APP