What we achieved 2005
 | |
2005 was a challenging year. Millions of people were left homeless, injured and bereaved by an unprecedented series of disasters across the world and here in the UK.
As part of a global humanitarian network – the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – the British Red Cross was in a unique position to respond.
Working through local volunteers, we were on the frontline in the aftermath of the tsunami, during the conflict in Darfur and the food crisis in West Africa. And we responded immediately when disaster struck closer to home.
The 7 July bombs exploded near to our main office in London. Our volunteers and staff were mobilised and became actively involved in meeting the needs of those affected by the bombs – both on the day itself and in the weeks and months that followed.
We are proud of the fact that our people rose to every challenge the year had in store. Our supporters also responded magnificently, giving a total of £36.6 million to our emergency appeals. Millions more were donated to appeals launched with the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) as well as one on behalf of the Greater London Authority – the London Bombings Relief Charitable Fund.
Being there for vulnerable people – whoever and wherever they are – is what our organisation is all about. This could be a family made homeless by the Pakistan earthquake. It could equally be a child injured in a road accident, here in the UK.
Last year, we launched a major campaign aimed at reducing road deaths, urging people to learn just five minutes of first aid. These life-saving skills help people to withstand those emergencies which are part of everyday life. We also used our position as a neutral humanitarian organisation to build bridges between different sections of society.
You can read in more detail about the progress we have made in several key areas.
| |
 | |
|
