110 years of Red Cross

Volunteers at the Red Cross shop in Warragul celebrated World Red Cross day last Wednesday with a birthday cake and special window display to mark the organisation's 110th anniversary in Victoria.
World Red Cross Day is held on May 8 every year - the birthday of its founder Jean-Henry Dunnant. The movement began in 1859 when Mr Dunnant witnessed the horrific effect of war on soldiers following the Battle of Solferino, an engagement in the Austro-Sardinian War in Italy. The organisation was formally founded in 1863 as the International Committee of the Red Cross and its charter was to provide care for wounded soldiers on the battlefield.
The organisation has been in Victoria since 1914 when it was instituted to provide for the needs of those affected by World War I. Initial efforts from Victorian volunteers included sewing and making clothing and bandages for troops at the front. Funds were raised by door knocking, selling of cattle and "comforts" sold to the public. Within a short period of time every small town or district had its own Red Cross branch with school children contributing via the Junior Red Cross.
At the time young boys made camouflage nets and grew vegetables while the girls knitted and sold jam.
Today the Red Cross assists vulnerable people in war torn countries across the world as well as assisting in emergencies closer to home. Red Cross shops appreciate the public's donation of goods which go to these troubled areas worldwide.
The Red Cross shop in Warragul is always looking for volunteers. Interested members of the public wishing to know more can drop in to the shop in Victoria St.