Red Cross Chat

Post from Abi Weaver:  

I’ve been working from American Red Cross headquarters in Washington, D.C. for the past few weeks, helping to plan for World Red Cross Red Crescent Day, marking the birth of Henry Dunant, the founder of what is now the largest humanitarian network in the world. And no matter how much I planned for today, I can’t take one ounce of credit for how, in the face of a devastating disaster, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has honored Dunant’s legacy.

Today, we saw his vision in action. The American Red Cross stands ready to provide $1.25 million in aid and supplies to the Myanmar Red Cross as they cope with the growing needs. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies just received word that its shipment of shelter kits (tarps, hammers, ropes and other items needed for temporary cover) landed in Yangon and will soon be distributed by the Myanmar Red Cross to the cyclone survivors. And joining the American Red Cross and the International Federation today in supporting the Myanmar Red Cross are the Japanese Red Cross, British Red Cross and Swiss Red Cross societies.

We also learned today, J. Armand Musey is preparing to summit Mt. Everest, a climb that will benefit the American Red Cross International Relief Fund, a gift that will allow us to quickly launch a response to this disaster as well as future international crises.

>>Listen to him explain why he is raising money for this cause.