Why volunteers are the beating heart of the Red Cross

When the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement was established in the 19th century, its founders were determined that it should be a voluntary movement. They firmly believed that its members should be people who give their time and skills freely out of a desire to serve humanity – not people driven by a desire for personal gain.
The Movement has evolved in many ways since those days, but the principle of voluntary service has remained at the heart of everything we do.
Our network of volunteers works away from the headlines in almost every country. In total we number more than 97 million members – more than 1.5 per cent of the world’s total population. Our members are not just willing but fully trained and prepared to save lives and relieve suffering, often at a moment’s notice.
What it means is that, when a disaster happens anywhere in the world, the Red Cross can be there. Our volunteers turn out immediately to
do what needs to be done. That is why we can often respond to emergencies quicker than anyone else.
Our principle of voluntary service also means that the British Red Cross is an incredibly cost-effective organisation. Of course, we do have paid staff to train and support our volunteers. We do have buildings, vehicles and equipment to pay for. But one of the most valuable and precious resources the Red Cross has – the skill, dedication and hard work of its members – is given freely.
That is why, when you send a donation to the Red Cross, you know that your help will get through to where it is needed – and that we will make good and effective use of every penny you give.

Your donation will help ensure we can train volunteers to provide care and support in a crisis
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