Hellenic Red Cross

The Hellenic Red Cross was founded on 10 June 1877 by the initiative of Queen Olga. Since the very first moment of its establishment it was recognized by the International Committee of Red Cross and today is an equal partner of the family of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. During its long history course, it remains devoted to the international humanitarian principles and to the generous voluntary contribution towards people.

The Hellenic Red Cross is the biggest non-governmental organization in Greece with a complex task that is based on voluntary work and on direct response to the citizens. It is always active aiming to alleviate human pain in times of war and peace, to support wounded, patients, refugees, elders, people facing economical difficulties and people from all vulnerable parts of society. Its work is connected to constant alert, solidarity and altruism and is the synonym to non profitable offer and selflessness.

The main purposes and objects of the Hellenic Red Cross are the following:

·In times of war: offering both assistance and reinforcement of the Army Medical Personnel, nursing care for the wounded and the sick along with protection of the prisoners of war, civilians and war victims.

·In times of peace: providing both care and support to the victims of natural disasters and epidemics, and also developing humanitarian activity either autonomously or in collaboration with the State and other social institutions.

Since 1877and on, the Hellenic Red Cross continues its humanitarian task taking care of the most vulnerable parts of the society of the country. In cooperation with other institutions, governmental and non, the Hellenic Red Cross stands beside every person, family or group that faces difficulties without setting any racial, national or economical boundaries to its activities. At the same time, whenever need rises abroad, the Hellenic Red Cross takes action always in collaboration with the other National Societies by sending international aid.

Following profound humanitarian ideals and the sense of responsibility, the Hellenic Red Cross was and still is present in the most important historical moments of Greece and internationally too, and continues to perform complex humanitarian work always having as its main object human being and always respecting Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.