3-1-2-1-Expect-the-Unexpected

The Canadian Red Cross:anywhere, anytimeThe Canadian Red Cross 1 is one of the 187 nationalSocieties which, along with the InternationalCommittee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and theInternational Federation of Red Cross and Red CrescentSocieties (the Federation), form the International RedCross and Red Crescent Movement. Its mission is toimprove the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing thepower of humanity in Canada and around the world.The Canadian Red Cross Society is a volunteerorganization that provides the public with humanitarianservices and emergency relief:• In the area of prevention against disasters or conflictsor when they occur in Canada and around the world.• Through community outreach in the fields of healthand social services.Humanitarian and relief services are providedaccording to the Fundamental Principles 2 of theInternational Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.Canadian Red Cross programs are made possible byvirtue of thousands of volunteers acting on its behalfand by Canadians’ generous financial assistance.The Fundamental Principles of the Red CrossHumanityThe International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born ofdesire to bring assistance without discrimination to the woundedon the battlefield, endeavours, in its international and nationalcapacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it maybe found. Its purpose is to protect life and health to ensure respectfor the human being. It promotes mutual understanding,friendship, co-operation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.ImpartialityIt makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs,class or political opinions. It endeavours to relieve the suffering ofindividuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priorityto the most urgent cases of distress.NeutralityIn order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movementmay not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time incontroversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.IndependenceThe Movement is independent. The national Societies, whileauxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments andsubject to the laws of their respective countries, must alwaysmaintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to actin accordance with the principles of the Movement.Voluntary serviceIt is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner bydesire for gain.UnityThere can only be one Red Cross or one Red Crescent Society in anyone country. It must be open to all. It must carry on itshumanitarian work throughout its territory.UniversalityThe International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in whichall Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities andduties in helping each other, is worldwide.1In conformity with the law, use of the Red Cross emblem or name in Canada isexclusively reserved to the Canadian Red Cross and to military medical units(Geneva Conventions Act, R.S. 1985, c. G-3).2This text is adapted from the fundamental principles proclaimed by the 20 thInternational Red Cross Conference held in Vienna in 1965. Please note thatthe original text was revised and included as part of the Statutes of theInternational Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which were adopted atthe 25 th International Red Cross Conference, held in Geneva in 1986.48