Red Cross Appeal

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30157, 14 June 1963, Page 10

Red Cross Appeal

A chance encounter with the dead and dying on the battlefield of Solferino impelled a Swiss banker, Henri Dunant, to write an eloquent book protesting against the horrors of war, and subsequently to campaign for “ voluntary aid “ societies ’* to help the army medical corps. The consequences of this vextraordinary man’s actions are to be seen a century later in the world-wide organisation of the Red Cross; but Dunant could scarcely have predicted the widespread responsibilities that are accepted by the modern societies inspired by his humanitarianism. , From Dunant’s concern for men and women afflicted by war resulted the establishment of an internationallyrecognised organisation equipped to succour impartially the victims of conflicts and disasters of all kinds,

as well as to assist in more mundane ways those affected by commonplace misfortunes, illness, frailty, and old age. This organisation is, therefore, as important nowadays in peace as in war; and it provides unusually rewarding channels for voluntary humanitarian service. Most New Zealanders are familiar with the Red Cross; in Christchurch the society is one of the bestknown agencies of private benevolence. Annual street appeals, the latest of which will be held today, bring before the general public the society’s meritorious claim to financial support A recent news item in “ The “ Press ” gave some idea of the society’s present activities. The society requires no better commendation to public generosity than its own high ideals and outstanding practical achievements.