This year, the Cook Islands Red Cross Society is celebrating World Red Cross Day with a splash of red, a dose of community spirit and a fun challenge for all ages.

Held every year on May 8 (today), World Red Cross Day recognises the work of Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers around the globe, who provide support to people in crisis – whether facing disaster, displacement, or conflict.

Fine Tuitupou-Arnold, secretary general of Cook Islands Red Cross, said: “We’re excited to celebrate the humanitarian spirit and remind everyone that we all have a part to play in helping others.”

“Whether you’re donating, learning, or just showing your support by wearing red - you’re a part of something bigger.”

The theme for this year is “Keeping Humanity Alive” around the world.

To commemorate this significant day, Cook Islands Red Cross is inviting schools, workplaces and the wider community to wear red and hold a gold coin fundraiser, as well as join the Cook Islands Red Cross Quiz to test your knowledge and win prizes.

Schools are encouraged to share their photos on the World Red Cross Day Facebook page and proceeds from the gold coin fundraiser will go towards supporting its programmes, including first aid training, blood donation awareness, youth programmes and emergency response.

The community can access the Cook Islands Red Cross Quiz on their Facebook page, all day today.

Tuitupou-Arnold says the three main activities this year are:

• strengthening first aid trainings,
• blood donor recruitment, and
• a new project on community-based health (focusing on the impact of climate change on health).

“We are also looking at women’s health activities around pre-menopause and menopause which is a gap here and there are not many activities around this area and often forgotten.”