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It is with great pleasure that I accepted your invitation to declare the start of this year's Cyprus Red Cross fundraiser, in the context of the International Red Cross Day.
8 May is celebrated worldwide as International Red Cross Day and is associated with the birth of the visionary Henry Dunant, who, overwhelmed by the agony of wounded soldiers at the Battle of Solferino in Italy, organised a relief network with the help of local volunteers. He then developed his ideas for volunteer aid and suggested that the wounded, and all those who cared for them, should be considered neutral during the war. His ideas gave rise to the Red Cross, which, from 1863 to the present day, has, on more than one occasion, given a light of hope in crises facing the world.
The Cyprus Red Cross, as the largest humanitarian organization in Cyprus, has many times contributed to the relief of human suffering and to the response to emergencies all over the world, in times of peace or war, without distinction of gender, sex, age, social status, religion or political affiliation.
Offering humanitarian aid to vulnerable population groups, providing wheelchairs and special mobility aids, offering First Aid courses, organising school camps, blood donations such as today's, awareness and education campaigns and many more, are some of the multi-faceted and multi-thematic activities of the Cyprus Red Cross. In an era characterized by the relaxation of values, individualism and selfishness, the Cyprus Red Cross tirelessly promotes the principles of solidarity, charity and mutual aid. Also noteworthy is the increasing involvement of children in the Youth Department of the Cyprus Red Cross, who through their actions promote a sense of social solidarity, the provision of assistance to those in need, the protection of health and life, the promotion of a spirit of understanding and friendship between young people of different countries and the protection of the natural environment.
Friends,
This day gives us the opportunity to express our gratitude to all those who dedicate their time, energy and love to the service of their fellow human beings. From volunteers and employees, to donors and organizations that support the work of the Cyprus Red Cross. Everyone, without exception, contributes to creating a better world.The Cypriot state recognizes and honors the multi-dimensional role and work that the Cyprus Red Cross has been doing over the years. As a token of appreciation for what it has offered for years to our fellow human beings and society in general, the Ministry of Health is contributing the symbolic amount of 500 euros as the opening donation of this year's fundraiser and I am sure that every citizen will open his/her door and heart by embracing this campaign.
With these thoughts, I wish you good luck in this year's fundraiser, good luck in today's blood donation and may you continue your commendable work for the benefit of our fellow human beings in need.
Finally, I express my warm congratulations to the President of the Board of Directors Mrs. Fotini Papadopoulou, to all the members of the Board of Directors, who have been tirelessly offering their services to the Cyprus Red Cross for so many years, to the staff and especially to all the volunteers who give hope that our society has reserves of humanity, social solidarity and altruism.
I wish you every success in your work.
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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