Australian Red Cross - The Power Of Humanity
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Frequently asked questions

 		 
To make your visit to our site quick and easy here are some of the most frequently asked questions. If you can't find the answer to your question in the list below please feel free to contact us

You can also find additional statistics on the Facts & Figures page.

 
How do I donate to an appeal?  
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.  
Secure online donation  
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 2957
Melbourne VIC 8060 
(Please indicate clearly which appeal or activity 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.

 
What is Australian Red Cross?  
Australian Red Cross is part of the largest global humanitarian network with around 100 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?  
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. In December 2005 the Third Additional Protocol to the Geneva Conventions was adopted, recognising a third (and final) distinctive emblem, the red crystal. It will be up to States to decide whether or not they wish to use the red crystal. States and National Societies that currently use and want to keep using the red cross or the red crescent will continue to do so.

What would be the situation in Israel?
The Third Additional Protocol enables the Israeli Society to continue to use its red shield of David as its sole emblem inside Israel. When working outside Israel the Society would need to work according to the requirements of the host country. Normally this would mean that it could display the red shield of David incorporated within the red crystal, or use the red crystal alone.

 		 
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How did Red Cross start?  
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?  
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 many members & volunteers does the Australian Red Cross have?  
Australian Red Cross currently has 35,613 members and 30,258 volunteers, providing both financial and voluntary assistance (source 2004/2005 Annual Report)

 
What is the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement?  
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement) is the largest humanitarian network in the world with a presence in almost every country. The Movement has over 97 million volunteers and a global staff of 300,000 people.

The Movement incorporates the Geneva-based International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Federation) as well as National Societies in 185 countries, including Australian Red Cross.

 
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What is the mission of the Australian Red Cross?  
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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Crisis Care Commitment
Make a donation by one of the following simple methods:

Make a donation using our secure online donations form...
Freecall
1800 811 700
from anywhere within Australia to make a credit card donation.
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).
Existing donors - update your details
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