March is Red Cross Month

Do You Know the Origin of the Red Cross Emblem?

SANTA BARBARA, CA—The Red Cross emblem was chosen as a symbolic gesture to honor Henry Dunant, founder of the International Red Cross, advocate for the Geneva Convention, and Swiss Citizen. The Red Cross emblem is an inversion of the Swiss Flag.

This emblem proudly displayed on the State Street Flags represents the Red Cross Fundamental Principals of: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality. The Red Cross symbol also embodies the vital mission of the Red Cross: to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

The symbol of the Red Cross has many different meanings for different people. For volunteers it is a call to action, for staff it is the driving force for every decision and for those we serve, a symbol of relief and hope.

If the Red Cross has touched your life or the life of someone you know, we ask that you consider supporting the work of your local Santa Barbara Red Cross during the month of March—Red Cross Month.

“Red Cross Month is a great time for people to support our mission,” Julie McGovern, Executive Director of Santa Barbara County said. “Their kindness will enable us to continue our work, both here at home and across the globe.”

The American Red Cross does not receive government funding. Instead, the Red Cross relies on the generous support of community members to ensure that our local Santa Barbara Red Cross is here to serve our community for years to come.

For more information on the Fundamental Principals of the Red Cross or how to support your local chapter please visit us online at www.redcrosscentralcoast.org or call us at (805)687-1331.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies more than 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcrosscentralcoast.org.

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