Do you support the Red Cross organisation?

Each Western country has a branch in its territory I believe, and it operates independently of other states much like a modern Knightly Order, there is a very good book about the idea and process of the organisation establishing its identity in Caroline Moorehead’s DUNANT’S DREAM.

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Stephie · 22-25, F

Henri Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross was so appalled by what he witnessed during the battle of Solferino in 1859 that he thought that something should be done for the victims, regardless of which side they were battling to attempt to alleviate the horrors of the wars by providing medical help to those wounded.

However, I am personally not a big supporter of the organization itself because the structure of its organization is absorbing a large part of those donations rather than them be invested in projects.

I favor smaller organizations such as Médecins Sans Frontières which are just as efficient in providing relief to those that need it in conflict zones.

One thing that disturbs me enormously is the misuse of the red flag that is the adopted flag of the Red Cross. Henri Dunant, as Swiss citizen, chose the mirror image of his national flag (white cross over red background) to represent his neutral organization.

Tracos · 51-55, M

@Stephie why does the flag bother you?

And how do you feel about the use of the red crescent or red diamond instead?

Stephie · 22-25, F

@Tracos It does bother me because I have often witnessed the misuse of the Swiss flag in medical facilities where staff are wearing clothing bearing a white cross.

I am sure if anyone would misuse the US flag, there would have been an uproar and that whoever has done that insult to the US flag would be jailed by now.

I have no issue with the red crescent because in Muslim countries, the cross is stigmatized as it is still seen a sign of attempted domination that dates back to the time of the crusades.

Ynotisay · M

Not sure how it works in other countries but in the U.S. a non-profit is not legally bound to giving a minimum percentage of dollars raised to the actual charity they're supporting. So you can give 1 dollar and 95 cents goes to marketing for more money and salaries.
The Red Cross actually does very well there. About 90 cents goes to the actual charitable efforts and almost all of their work force are volunteers. But it's such a big organization there's no guarantee that your money is going directly where you want it to go. But it's reliable.

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