Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Samantha I. Lugo (212) 788-9364
"The concern and compassion of the American Red Cross has helped thousands of New Yorkers and people in need around the world to survive tragedy and hard times. I encourage all New Yorkers to volunteer and support with the Red Cross efforts," the Mayor said.
Mrs. Dole said, "The American Red Cross provides humanitarian relief and development assistance in more than 40 countries and it is also celebrating the 50th Anniversary of our Blood Services program. I am delighted to celebrate World Red Cross Day in New York City - the capital of the world."
On May 8th every year, Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies worldwide commemorates the birthday in 1828 of Henri Durant 1828, whose spirit of compassion inspired the creation of the International Red Cross.
For fifty years the American Red Cross has been providing America with Blood Services. The Blood Donor Service is a vital part of the medical community, and it has been saving lives by both providing much needed blood and utilizing new technologies to ensure that the national blood banks are supplied with the safest blood products possible.
The International Red Cross reaches out to millions of victims of war, conflict, natural disaster and others in need in 175 countries around the world, providing food, clothes, medical supplies, and other humanitarian services wherever needed.