RED CROSS MARKS 100 YEARS IN NEW ZEALAND WITH LAUNCH OF CENTENARY BOOK

From the First World War to recovery programmes in Christchurch, Red Cross has been there to help generations of Kiwis when they’ve needed it most.

This year, New Zealand Red Cross celebrates a century of care, and to mark the milestone, we have launched a new book reflecting on our long history of care in New Zealand.

Written by social historian Professor Margaret Tennant, "Across the Street, Across the World: A History of the Red Cross in New Zealand 1915-2015" highlights the wide reach of Red Cross activities through time.

Red Cross’ work in New Zealand officially started in 1915, when Kiwis sent food parcels, clothes and medical supplies to sick and wounded soldiers in hospitals overseas.

Since then, New Zealand Red Cross has continued to provide a broad range of humanitarian assistance at home, overseas and in the Pacific, as part of the world’s oldest and most trusted humanitarian organisation.

New Zealand Red Cross President Jenny McMahon says reaching the centenary is a significant achievement for the organisation.

“For Red Cross, it has been a century of care. A century marked by terrible events like the World Wars, the Hawke’s Bay and Christchurch earthquakes, cyclones in the Pacific and conflict across the globe, but a century in which we have seen the power of humanity shine through.

“As we celebrate our first 100 years, we celebrate the efforts of thousands of Kiwis who have helped their neighbours near and far in times of trouble or disaster.”

More than 11,000 people, most of whom are volunteers, help Red Cross provide a range of community services in New Zealand, including meals on wheels, first aid education, disaster relief, refugee resettlement and reuniting separated families. Internationally, Red Cross aid workers and aid programmes support people affected by conflict and disaster.

This support will ensure Red Cross continues to make a difference in the future, she says.

“I look forward to starting the next 100 years with such a broad and inspiring network of support, enabling Red Cross to continue its work here in New Zealand and around the world.”

“Across the Street, Across the World: A History of the Red Cross in New Zealand 1915-2015", by Margaret Tennant, can be ordered at redcross.org.nz.

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