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Question
#19587. Bill
asks:
Is the Red Cross a private or government agency?
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finlady
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The Red Cross functions outside of the government, but works closely with gov. agencies such as FEMA during times of major crisis. Gives aid to members of the US Armed forces, it does this through services that are consistant to its Congressional charter and the Principles of the Red Cross allowing the Red Cross to stay neutral and impartial.  www.redcross.org/faq/partofusgov.html
Jun 04 02, 1:58 PM
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Barrow boy
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In the UK the British Red Cross Society is a registered charity, although like every other national Red Cross society it is subordinate to the International Red Cross Committee.
I am a volunteer in the Red Cross, and I can assure you all that the Red Cross does not just provide international disaster aid. Within each country it provides varying services to local communities. I'm aware that in the US the American Red Cross provides blood donor services, and in Spain it provides lifeguards at resorts.
In the UK it provides various services to people who may find their lives in crisis. A few examples are support to people whose houses have burned down, transport for the disabled or sick, loan of medical equipment (wheelchairs, Zimmer frames, commodes etc), holidays for the disabled, first aid and ambulance support. In my case, I am ambulance trained and can do just about anything Josh in Casualty can do except administer drugs. In the summer I support sports events - mostly horse events round here - and in the winter I am on the road supporting the East Anglian Ambulance Trust at the busy Christmas / New Year period. (Watch out Mark, don't get sick!)
This takes up some 200 to 300 hours a year which is completely voluntary. There are many others like me in the community, many putting in a lot more work than I do. So please bear in mind that when you donate to the Red Cross some of the money comes back to your own community.
Jun 05 02, 3:49 AM
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