World Red Cross Day celebrates the work of those who volunteer with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
IFRC is the world's largest humanitarian organisation, providing worldwide relief during times of disease, famine, disaster or war. It has around 97 million members and volunteers in some 170 countries and helps more than 230 million people every year.
World Red Cross Day is held on 8 May, the birthday of Jean Henri Dunant, founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross. The theme for 2012 is 'Together for humanity'. The Red Crescent is used in place of the Red Cross in many Islamic countries.