The Red Cross Movement was founded in 1863 by Swiss businessman Henry Dunant, who witnessed the horrors of war and wanted to create an organization dedicated to the protection of human life and dignity during times of conflict. Today, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is the largest humanitarian network in the world, with over 17 million volunteers and staff working in 192 countries.

The Red Cross provides crucial assistance to people affected by conflict, natural disasters, and other emergencies, including health care, shelter, water and sanitation, and support for families separated by conflict or migration. The organization also promotes and protects the rights of people affected by crises, including refugees, migrants, and other vulnerable groups.

World Red Cross Day is observed every year on May 8th to honor the remarkable contributions of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

This day also marks the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The theme for this year’s World Red Cross Day is Everything you do comes #fromtheheart .

The theme recognises the people in our communities, “the person next door”, who often are the first ones to step up and support those in need around them.

They could be someone at work; a neighbourhood business-owner; a Red Cross or Red Crescent community volunteer; someone at the gym, shop or market we go to; or someone living close by who has always been by our side. However they support us, they do it with love and #fromtheheart.

Our Story

The Red Cross has been present in Fiji for over 70 years. The Fiji Red Cross Society was established in 1952 as a branch of the British Red Cross Society, and it became an independent national society affiliated with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies after Fiji gained independence from British colonial rule in 1970.

The Fiji Red Cross Society was officially recognized as the 118th member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in 1972. Since then, the Fiji Red Cross Society has been an active member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and has worked closely with other national societies and the ICRC and IFRC to provide humanitarian assistance in Fiji and around the world.

The Fiji Red Cross Society (FRCS) is committed to providing humanitarian assistance to vulnerable people in Fiji and to building resilient communities that are better able to withstand disasters and other crises. The direction of the FRCS is guided by its strategic plan, which outlines the organization’s priorities and goals for the coming years.

FRCS has a decentralized structure with 16 branches in all four divisions of Fiji.

Each branch is responsible for implementing programs and activities in their respective regions, as well as supporting the overall work of the Fiji Red Cross Society.

The branches also work closely with volunteers and other community-based organizations to ensure that the Red Cross’s programs are responsive to the needs of the communities they serve.

How can you support the Fiji Red Cross Society?

There are several ways to support the Fiji Red Cross Society:

Make a donation: You can make a financial contribution to the Fiji Red Cross Society to support their programs and services. You can visit their website or contact them directly to find out how to donate.

Volunteer: The Fiji Red Cross Society relies heavily on volunteers to carry out its programs and services. You can contact them to find out how to become a volunteer and contribute your time and skills.

Spread the word: You can help raise awareness about the Fiji Red Cross Society and its work by sharing information about it on social media or with your friends and family.

Attend or support a Branch activity: The Fiji Red Cross Society organizes events to raise funds and awareness. Attending these events is a great way to show your support and contribute to their cause. You can also support your Branch by assisting with their community activities.

You can always reach out to us if you need to know more.