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What is Australian Red Cross?
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Australian Red Cross is part of the largest global humanitarian network with 97 million members and volunteers in the entire Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Australian Red Cross has eight State and Territory offices and a National Office in Melbourne.
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Why are symbols, other than a red cross, used by other National Societies within the Movement?
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Since its formation as a humanitarian organisation, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement have used the distinctive emblem of a red cross on a white background (the reverse of the Swiss flag) as both a protective symbol in conflict zones and an indicative symbol in peace time. Although the red cross has no religious connotations, some societies view it as such. The symbol of the red crescent is used instead of the red cross by societies in most Islamic countries; and the Magen David Adom, or Red Shield of David, is used in Israel.
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How did the Red Cross start?
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Henry Dunant, a Swiss banker travelling on business in northern Italy in 1859, witnessed the aftermath of the Battle of Solferino - a horrifying and bloody conflict between 300,000 soldiers from Imperial Austria and the Franco-Sardinian Alliance. Moved by the appalling injuries suffered by the young men he rallied local villagers to assist and tend the wounded. In 1863 he founded the International Committee of the Red Cross. More than 140 years later there are 186 National Red Cross or Red Crescent Societies around the world.
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When did Australian Red Cross start?
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Australian Red Cross was formed as a branch of the British Red Cross in 1914 by Lady Helen Munro-Ferguson, wife of the Governor-General, exactly nine days after the outbreak of World War I.
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How do I donate to an appeal?
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When disaster strikes Red Cross is there, responding immediately by providing real and practical assistance to the most vulnerable people both around the corner or across the globe. Your cash donation ensures that help will reach the people affected by a disaster or crisis.
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Secure online donation
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You can make a secure online donation to any of our current appeals by going to our donations page:
You can also make a donation by calling toll free 1800 811 700 or sending a cheque or money order to:
Australian Red Cross
GPO Box 9949
Your capital city
(Please indicate clearly which appeal you want your donation to go towards)
To find out more about domestic appeals and programs visit our Appeals information page or contact your local Australian Red Cross office.
To find out more about international appeals and programs visit our Appeals information page or contact the National Office of Australian Red Cross.
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What is the mission of the Australian Red Cross?
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To be a leading humanitarian organisation in Australia, improving the lives of vulnerable people through services delivered and promotion of humanitarian laws and values.
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Make a donation by one of the following simple methods: |
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Freecall
1800 811 700
from anywhere within Australia to make a credit card donation.
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Send a cheque or money order to: GPO Box 2957 Melbourne VIC 8060 (please indicate which appeal or activity you would like your donation to go towards).
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