heads down bottoms up: red cross

heads down bottoms up

This new skin brings about a fresh new beginning, a change, reminding us the importance of looking at things from another perspective so that we may learn to understand and accept all that we see for not what they appear to be, but what they truly are.

Wednesday

red cross

Every time we walk pass a Red Cross sign, we immediately relate it to medical aid, help and blood donation. But there is so much more behind this sign, and i am only made aware of this yesterday when i attended a Australian Red Cross volunteer seminar in Parkville. For those interested, here's a brief run down of the history of this organisation.

The red cross organisation was founded, ironically, in the mist of the Battle of Solferino in 1859, otherwise more well-known as The Second Italian War of Independence. Given my sudden interest in history, i'll explain what prompted this war. Back in the late 1800s, the Sardinian army wanted to conquer Northern Italy, then under Austrian rule. A year before the war, emperor of France, Napolean 3, and the PM of Sardinia, Cavour, signed a secret treaty of alliance against Austria; that France would help Sardinia if Austria attacked, and Sardinia would give two of its countries to France in return. Cavour, unable to attain help from the French unless the Austrians attacked first, provoked Vienna with military manoeuvers in their desperate attempt to conquer northern italy. Consequently, in April 29, 1859, Austria declared war, thus drawing France into the conflict.

After a series of battles, the french and austrian forces met at Solferino in June 1859. Coincidentally, a Swiss banker Henry Dunant who happened to be travelling through northern italy on business, stumbled into the battle field, witnessing the horrifying aftermath of the bloody conflict. Overwhelmed and moved by the sight of the injuries suffered by young men who lay there bleeding and tormented by hunger, thirst and heat, Dunant rallied villagers to assist and tend the wounded, regardless of age, gender and race. Despite the knowledge that they may in fact be saving a solider who have killed their son or husband, these villagers were to become the first volunteers of the red cross. Fyi, under the rule of Napolean, the french army defeated the austrians in what proved to be a tactiful, but costly battle.

Under the leadership of Henry Dunant, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was established in 1863, their emblem being a red cross on a white background, the inverse of the swiss flag. Today, due to clashes with religious symbols, the official Red Cross icon includes a red crescent, a red diamond and the cross (only established dec 05). The cross is an international protective emblem, carrying with it a symbol of hope and assistance, and interestingly, it means "don't shoot" in every language in the world. Unfortunately, this symbol has been constantly commerically misused by pharmacies and medical clinics.

Anywho, that was how the Red Cross was established. As for Henry, the remainder of his life is a bitter story to tell. Being a banker, he was once healthy and wealthy, but due to his overwhelming compassion, he focussed on the red cross, giving everything he earnt to the organisation, rendering him bankrupt. What was more tragic, was that he, unbelieveably, was expelled from the red cross once he was bankrupt. In the late 1800s, the poor was looked down upon, and Henry spent the next 18 years in a small hospital, living in horrible health and appalling conditions. It was not until a young journalist traced him down was he awarded the first ever Nobel Peace Prize in 1901. Semi happy ending, i guess.

Today, the ICRC exists in almost every country, with over 97 million members and volunteers. Guided by the 7 fundamental principles; Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary service, Unity and Universality, the mission of the red cross is to improve the lives of vulnerable people, promoting humanitarian laws and values, and to alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found, with no discrimination based on sex, culture, political stance, and religious beliefs. Given that it must remain impartial and neutral under all circumstances, the red cross does not approach the media for support and receives only 3% of its fund from the government, the rest from donations.

Yesterday, i became a red cross volunteer. Why have i decided to forfeit some of my time i could be lying in bed or out with my friends for something i will not be recognised for? Why?

Let me tell you why.

To help.

Silly, some people may think; how can one person alone make any significant difference? Have you not read the story of the stranded starfish? It may be small what each volunteer does, but at the very least, it is making a difference to the life of that one person you are helping. I urge you all to give it a go if possible, coz you not only come out with a smile on your face, but your heart smiles with you.

posted by sciurine @ 4:49 PM

2 Comments:

At 9:52 PM, Prioroftheori said…

"I have not ceased being fearful, but I have ceased to let fear control me. I have accepted fear as a part of life--specifically the fear of change, the fear of the unknown; and I have gone ahead despite the pounding in my heart that says: turn back, turn back, you'll die if you venture too far." - Erica Mann Jong

MOTHS AND CHANGE! WHOOO!!! Good job
At 11:23 AM, sciurine said…

hey! so nice to hear from you! Miss you. Hows honky?

Man, it was rather depressing not having boys around for CBD last night! But i was taught the 8 beat really nicely though.