At the 77th General Meeting of the Austrian Red Cross, President Schöpfer urges not to lose sight of humanitarian values and to protect democracies.
Vienna (OTS) – Vienna (Red Cross): “Rising prices, existential concerns, poverty – parallel societies, crime, fear of war,” said Red Cross President Gerald Schöpfer at the general meeting in Vienna, describing the current social challenge. “The Red Cross is being challenged like never before,” said Schöpfer. He sees the challenges not only in the “core tasks” of saving lives, donating blood and caring, but also in communicating values in polarizing times. “The stability of democracy depends on how well it succeeds in guaranteeing social security. The motto of our campaign is ‘We are here’. That is not just a motto, but our constant contribution to social security. People can rely on us being there for them. For everyone, 365 days a year, around the clock. Out of love for people,” said Schöpfer.
Climate crisis and disaster preparedness
“If we look into the future, we see how the effects of the climate crisis are posing ever greater challenges for everyone,” Schöpfer continued. “Crisis management and disaster prevention are areas of activity for the Red Cross that are becoming increasingly larger and more important. Here, too, we bring our expertise and innovative strength to people who need help every day.”
90,931 helpers in Austria
With an Austria-wide network of volunteers, full-time employees, civil servants and employees of the Voluntary Social Year, the Red Cross is there for the people of Austria.
75,671 volunteers are involved with the Red Cross. In addition, there are 10,287 full-time employees, 4,401 community service workers and 572 employees of the voluntary social year. In 2023, Red Cross volunteers donated 9.8 million hours of time. The Red Cross would like to thank 1,131,935 million donors and supporting members. In total, we count 13.5% of the population as direct and indirect supporters of humanity – a reassuring idea for our society in volatile times.
Emergency services
When every second counts. With more than 3 million emergency calls per year and therefore more than 3 million patients cared for.
Blood donation service
When blood donations keep hearts beating. Through the voluntary donations of more than 200,000 blood donors, we supply Austria’s hospitals with life-saving blood products.
Courses, training and further education
If you want to refresh your first aid knowledge. We are happy to pass on our life-saving knowledge. In the training of our employees as well as in first aid courses for young and old.
Disaster relief
When people at home and abroad need help due to major disasters, crises and wars.
International cooperation
When teamwork knows no boundaries. Regionally, nationally and globally. Our worldwide network of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies helps people in need.
Care and support
When an independent life at home becomes increasingly difficult. We care for and look after people who need support and thus also relieve the burden on their relatives.
Youth Red Cross
If support is lacking, we provide help to get started. As value partners, we accompany children and young people as well as their teachers and youth group leaders in school, youth groups, and in direct activities.
Search service
When families are torn apart by disasters, wars and crises, we help to search for and reunite them. According to international law, clarifying fates and Red Cross messages are among the core tasks of the Red Cross.
Dissemination of International Humanitarian Law
When our symbol is the only protection. We help in crisis and war zones and protect our symbol even in peacetime so that it can protect. We share information about the internationally recognized protective symbols in lectures and publications.
World Wide Web
The Austrian Red Cross is one of 191 Red Cross organizations worldwide. 15 million volunteers work worldwide to help people in need. “I would like to thank all the people in Austria and around the world who are involved with the Red Cross,” said President Schöpfer. “It is only thanks to their support that we are able to be there for people in need every day. With their help, we will also be able to overcome the numerous challenges of the future.”
Some particularly dedicated employees were also able to receive awards from the President today. The DDr. Lauda Awards are presented every year at the Annual General Meeting.
Schöpfer concludes: “Our partners in civil society, our supporters and donors also deserve great thanks. With their help we can support society and the authorities, and at the same time, thanks to the support of society and the authorities, we can fulfil our legally anchored duties for the benefit of all people in Austria and around the world.”
Photos Annual General Meeting: Click here
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