VE day events

Celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day across the Red Cross

This VE Day, we honour the courage and dedication of every British Red Cross volunteer who worked tirelessly here at home and overseas to help people during World War II. 

Every nurse, every ambulance crew, every first aider. Every volunteer who helped families trace their missing or wounded loved one serving in the war, who packed and dispatched food parcels to keep British prisoners of war alive, who organised and gave out essentials like food, medical supplies, blankets, and clothes.

Every person at the British Red Cross who, against the bleak and terrifying backdrop of World War II, dedicated their time and skills to do what was right for humanity: to help people. 

Reflecting on 80 years since the end of WWII in Europe

8 May marks 80 years since the end of World War II in Europe, but our lifesaving humanitarian work has not stopped.  

With ongoing conflicts, climate disasters, and other emergencies in the UK and across the world, our British Red Cross mission to be here for humanity has never been more important.

Whether we’re providing immediate or long-term help, working with communities to build their resilience, or reuniting families who’ve been separated by a crisis, our teams continue to provide a beacon of hope for people facing the worst of times. 

This VE Day serves as an important reminder – that although we don’t know what tomorrow may bring, our commitment to help people who need us most will never falter.

Launching the Heritage Collection

To celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE day, our Heritage collection showcases re-releases of British Red Cross posters used between 1915-1945, for fundraising, volunteer recruitment and as part of the junior Red Cross.

This collection also showcases the work of trailblazing artist Doris Zinkeisen, commissioned as a war artist by the British Red Cross and the Order of St John Joint War Organisation during the Second World War.

Explore the Heritage Collection