About World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, on 8 May, celebrates the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and its volunteers. The date is the birthday of Henry Dunant, the Swiss founder of the Red Cross.
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day honours the volunteers, staff and supporters of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. It is held on 8 May, the birthday of Henry Dunant, whose experience of caring for wounded soldiers after the Battle of Solferino in 1859 led to the founding of the Red Cross. Dunant later shared the first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.
The movement is built on principles such as humanity, impartiality and neutrality, which means helping people according to need, regardless of who they are.
How it is marked
National societies hold blood donation camps, first aid training and awareness events, and volunteers are thanked for their work in disasters, health programmes and emergencies. Schools and colleges with youth Red Cross units run drives and talks on first aid and service.
In India, the Indian Red Cross Society and its state and district branches mark the day with blood donation camps, volunteer recognition and community programmes.
What to write
Thank the person for their time and compassion, and mention something specific they have done if you can.
- Thank you for giving up your weekends for the blood camps. The hospital never runs short when you're organising.
- Still using the first aid you taught us at school. Thank you, and happy World Red Cross Day.
- Every first aid class, blood camp and relief trip you join makes our community safer. Thank you.
How to wish someone on World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day
thanks to Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers, and helping anyone in need, whoever they are
Write a few lines in your own words, pick a design and share it as one link on WhatsApp, Instagram or anywhere else. They open an animated card made just for them, with no app and no sign-up.
Language tip: English, Hindi + recipient language.
Frequently asked questions
Why is World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day on 8 May?
The day falls on the birthday of Henry Dunant, born on 8 May 1828, who founded the Red Cross movement and shared the first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.
What symbols are used by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement?
The movement uses the red cross, the red crescent and the red crystal on a white background. These emblems signal protection and neutral humanitarian help.
How can I take part in World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day?
You can donate blood, join a first aid course, volunteer with your local Red Cross branch or simply thank a volunteer you know.
When is World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day in 2026?
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2026 falls on Friday, 8 May 2026.
What is World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day?
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, on 8 May, celebrates the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and its volunteers. The date is the birthday of Henry Dunant, the Swiss founder of the Red Cross.
Is World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day a public holiday?
Holiday status for World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day varies by state, employer and community in India, so check your local holiday list.
How do I wish someone on World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day?
Focus on thanks to red cross and red crescent volunteers, and helping anyone in need, whoever they are. On Kehdoo you can write a short message, pick a design and share a free animated World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day card as a single link, with no app or sign-up needed.
Sources
Last verified by the Kehdoo team on .