World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2017
Millions of Red Cross and Red Crescent staff around the world reach more than 160 million people every year providing a diverse and innovative range of services.
And while you may know the Red Cross and Red Crescent for blood donations, disaster response or first aid training, did you know we’re also involved in milking snakes, making people laugh, and starting football teams. We even have four legged volunteers spreading joy in the UK!
Joint statement – President Tadateru Konoé and President Peter Maurer
Today, on World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, 8 May, we recognize the incredible contribution and achievements of the millions of volunteers and staff around the world who keep our commitment to humanity every day.

Did you know…?
Improving living conditions while clowning around
An innovative programme ensures children and adults learn the importance of good hygiene amid fun and laughter.
Raising snakes and saving lives in Thailand
Since 1923, Thai Red Cross Society has raised snakes to produce much-needed anti-venoms and conducted valuable vaccine research.
A Red Cross story: From prison to probation
In Ireland, the Red Cross is bringing first aid training into prisons and giving inmates an opportunity to learn new skills to take out into the world.
Sewing seeds of resilience in communities
The Netherlands Red Cross works with volunteers to help community members develop new skills and become more self-sufficient.
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day stories

On World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day this year – 08 May 2017 – we celebrate the strength and reach of our global network, and the contribution of our network of around 17 million volunteers and 450,000 staff through the theme ‘Everywhere for everyone’.




When I was growing up I was always getting into trouble in school, being brought home by the police and hanging around with the wrong crowd…




Since 1923, Thai Red Cross Society has raised snakes to produce much-needed anti-venoms and conducted valuable vaccine research.




Ahlem Özdemir is a talented seamstress living in the multicultural community of Moerwijk, a diverse neighbourhood near The Hague, Netherlands. For the past 10 years, she has spent two days a week teaching migrant women how to make and alter clothes. Last year, she won the ‘Hero of The Hague’ award in the Culture category for her work.




Torbjørn C. Pedersen’s epic journey to visit every National Red Cross and Red Crescent Society in the world reaches Egypt – country number 127 – marking the end of his African travels.