2023-06-17 11:23:05
On the occasion of the 76th General Assembly of the Austrian Red Cross, President Creator called for a “humanitarian radar” to be able to meet upcoming challenges.
Vienna (OTS) – “As the Austrian Red Cross, we face major challenges every day. Whether in international crisis areas or here on site – we are always there to help people in need,” says Red Cross President Gerald Creator and continues: “The work of the Red Cross is more important today than ever. Wars, the consequences of climate change, growing social inequality and an increasingly aging society are just some of the challenges we have to face. But despite all this adversity, there is one force that drives us and holds us together – the force of humanity.”
poverty alleviation
“High inflation and rising prices are also a big problem for many people here in Austria. Some of the pillars of the welfare state are beginning to buckle under the pressure,” analyzes Gerald Creator. The Red Cross employees work nationwide in a wide variety of areas to support families here.
More than 66,000 people are regularly supported by one of the 122 Team Austria Tafel distribution points.
rescue service
The rescue service is one of the most important pillars of the Austrian Red Cross. Paramedics are on duty around the clock every day to help people in need, whether in traffic accidents, acute illnesses or medical emergencies. Most of them are volunteers.
The rescue service completes more than 3.5 million calls per year, and the trend is still rising.
Youth Red Cross
“Education ‘for the entire population, regardless of origin, social situation and financial background’ is laid down in Article 14 of the Federal Constitution. And yet every year 20 percent of compulsory school students leave the education system and cannot read properly. The school system, which has essentially remained structurally unchanged since Maria Theresa, needs an update. The Red Cross cannot solve this problem on its own,” said Creator. “But we won’t accept it either. Our learning programs and our youth media support teachers and learners. We are also very proud of our Youth Red Cross, which inspires young people to live humanity and community and to get actively involved.”
More than 6,000 young people and children are part of the Red Cross Youth, and many educators support them.
Care and support
102,000 clients receive care and support from Red Cross employees.
blood donation service
Another important pillar is the blood donation service, which makes an indispensable contribution to health care. Every blood donation saves lives and enables people to be treated following accidents, operations or serious illnesses.
345,000 blood bags are collected in Austria every year.
Ukraine war
The war in Ukraine has profoundly shaken the world community. It has cost countless lives, torn families apart, and had long-term social and economic repercussions around the world.
“More than 160 years following the founding of our movement, we have been painfully reminded that our humanitarian mandate is urgently needed. Since the beginning of the conflict in February 2022, we as the Red Cross have reached 12 million people in need with our help. With water treatment, as is currently the case, with the construction of emergency shelters, the provision of relief supplies and health services. And we will continue to stand by the people in Ukraine or those who have to flee their homeland,” says Red Cross President Gerald Schäfer
Thanks
Around 75,000 volunteers in Austria work 10.4 million hours out of love for people.
15 million volunteers help people in need worldwide.
“Above all, I would like to thank all Red Cross employees, the many volunteers, full-time employees, those doing community service and those who took part in the voluntary social year. Without your commitment all the help would not be possible. And only together can we meet the challenges of the future,” says Creator. “In addition, a huge thank you to all our partners, our numerous supporters, thanks to all donors! In line with our mission, we are there around the clock to support society and the authorities – but above all to help people who need help. But for this we also need the support of civil society and the authorities in order to be able to fulfill this legally anchored task of the Red Cross in Austria and worldwide.
Link: www.roteskreuz.at/jahresbericht
Questions & contact:
Austrian red cross
Margit Draxl
Press and media service
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margit.draxl@roteskreuz.at
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