This date marks the 180th birthday of Henry Dunant, founder of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. His experiences during the 1859 Battle of Solferino led him to begin advocating for the humane treatment of the sick and wounded during wartime. Dunant was later honored as one the first recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work.

This year’s theme for World Red Cross Red Crescent Day is “Helping Where People Are in Need.” The American Red Cross is recognizing its volunteers who work at home, here in Oswego and Onondaga counties, and around the world to alleviate the suffering of others. Whether it is responding to a house fire in our local community or providing measles vaccine overseas, the Red Cross Red Crescent organization is there.

The American Red Cross, as part of the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, helps millions of people worldwide to prepare for, prevent and recover from disasters and other emergencies. The American Red Cross responded to 21 international crises, contributed over 8.4 million in financial aid and more than 65,000 relief items during the period of July 2006 and June 2007.

You can help us to celebrate Henry Dunant’s birthday and make an impact on community by volunteering at the local American Red Cross, making a financial donation, giving blood and taking whatever steps are necessary to prepare for any future disasters. On May 8 the Onondaga Oswego Chapter of the American Red Cross will join more than 745 American Red Cross chapters throughout the United States and 186 Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies around the world in celebrating World Red Cross Red Crescent Day in honor of Henry Dunant. Dunant’s legacy of helping people in need wherever they are continues in our own backyard, whether it is supporting service members here at home or providing services and shelter to flood victims in the state of Washington the Onondaga Oswego Chapter of the American Red Cross is making a difference around the world and here at home.

For more information about the this day or any other American Red Cross subject please visit our new Oswego branch location at 333 W. First St. in Oswego.

Support the Red Cross and Change a Life, starting with your own.