Celebrating World Red Cross Day: How You Can Support Your Local Red Cross

Each year on 8 May, people around the world mark Red Cross Day, a celebration of the humanitarian work carried out by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The date also honours the birthday of Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross and the first recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.

What Is Red Cross Day?

Red Cross Day is not just a time to recognise the incredible global impact of the organisation, but also to reflect on the values it stands for—compassion, neutrality, independence, and voluntary service. From disaster response and emergency aid to supporting refugees and helping vulnerable people at home, the Red Cross is present wherever help is needed.

In the UK, the British Red Cross plays a vital role in communities large and small. Whether it's responding to house fires, providing mobility aids, teaching first aid, or supporting the NHS, the British Red Cross ensures help is always at hand.

How Can You Support Your Local Red Cross?

Whether you have time, resources, or simply goodwill to offer, there are many ways you can get involved and make a meaningful contribution to your local Red Cross branch.

1. Volunteer Your Time

The British Red Cross relies on thousands of volunteers across the UK. Roles vary from emergency response and refugee support to retail volunteering in Red Cross charity shops. If you have a few hours a week, your time could make a big difference.

Find local volunteering opportunities here: https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer

2. Donate

Monetary donations help fund emergency appeals and support vital services. You can make a one-off contribution or set up a regular gift. Every pound helps deliver practical support where it's most needed—whether that’s blankets after a house fire or food parcels during a crisis.

3. Fundraise in Your Community

From bake sales and sponsored walks to charity auctions and online events, fundraising can be as creative as you like. The British Red Cross offers toolkits and resources to help you get started, and even small events can have a big impact.

4. Learn First Aid

One of the most empowering ways to support the Red Cross is by learning life-saving skills. The British Red Cross offers free and paid first aid courses—ideal for individuals, families, or workplaces.

5. Shop or Donate Goods

Red Cross charity shops raise funds for essential services. Donating unwanted clothing, books, or homeware is a simple way to give back, and you can also support the cause by shopping second-hand.

6. Raise Awareness

Sharing stories, campaigns, and appeals from the British Red Cross on social media or within your community can help raise vital awareness. Every share helps amplify the message and bring more support to humanitarian causes.

This Red Cross Day: Act With Kindness

Red Cross Day isn’t just about remembering the legacy of a great humanitarian. It’s about continuing that legacy through small acts of kindness and collective action.

Supporting the Red Cross, whether locally or globally, is a reminder that compassion knows no borders—and that in times of crisis, solidarity is our greatest strength.

“The Red Cross is the symbol of hope, of kindness, and of humanity at its best. Let’s keep that spirit alive—today and every day.”

Tesco supports the Morocco earthquake and Libya floods humanitarian response

Tesco has combined forces with the British Red Cross to provide urgent, vital assistance to people who have been impacted by the devastating earthquake in Morocco and the sudden flooding in Libya.

The £250,000 donation from the Tesco Group will be critical to the charity’s Disaster Fund, which helps the British Red Cross respond to disasters in the UK and also around the world.

In the next few days, customers across the UK will also be able to support via text to give donations of either £5, £10 or £15. 

Customers will also be able to donate online at Tesco.com or with their Clubcard vouchers, using the Clubcard app.

Ken Murphy, who is the Group CEO at Tesco said: “We were obviously deeply shocked and saddened to see the pictures and stories from Morocco since this disaster occurred on Friday night and now the tragic extent of the situation in Libya."

“I know many Tesco colleagues are already looking to provide support and assistance, and we're very pleased to be able to work with the British Red Cross to give financial support that directly helps local teams on the ground."

Richard Blewitt, Executive Director of International for the British Red Cross, said: “On behalf of the British Red Cross I would like to thank everyone at Tesco for their generous donations that will go towards supporting people in a disaster, such as the devastating earthquake in Morocco and the terrible flooding in Libya."

He went on to say: “Thousands of people have lost their lives in these disasters, and many more have lost loved ones, their livelihoods and their homes. Sadly the full scale of the destruction in both countries is only likely to become apparent in the coming days. 

"We're really pleased and delighted to have Tesco colleagues and customers by our side to help those most in need. We could not do this without you. Thank you once again for your kindness and generosity.”

For more information on the partnership click here www.redcross.org.uk/get-involved/partner-with-us/tesco