What is the Finnish Red Cross?

- 40,000 active volunteers
- 80,000 members
- 100,000 regular contributors
- 132,000 blood donors each year
The operations of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent are guided by seven Fundamental Principles:
- humanity
- impartiality
- neutrality
- independence
- voluntary service
- universality
- unity.
The Finnish Red Cross is one of the largest civic organisations in Finland. The objective of the Finnish Red Cross is to help those who need it most both in Finland and abroad.
The mission: to help people and defend the weakest
The Red Cross helps when a catastrophe or an accident occurs and trains people to be prepared. The organisation encourages people to look after their own well-being and to take care of each other.
Operating in Finland and all over the world
Operations of the Finnish Red Cross:
- emergency assistance in domestic accidents
- fundraising and donations
- first aid groups and first aid training
- volunteer friend visitors and support for family caregivers
- Healthpoints and the promotion of well-being (sexual health and issues related to drugs and alcohol, for instance)
- junior clubs and camps
- support for immigrants and reception centres
- Blood Transfusion Centre
- Kontti Recycling Department Stores
- Emergency Youth Shelters
- coordination of the voluntary rescue service
In addition, the Finnish Red Cross helps victims of natural disasters and wars and also participates in development cooperation around the world.
The worldwide organisation is led by its members
- President (2014-): Pertti Torstila
- Secretary General (2004-): Kristiina Kumpula
The Finnish Red Cross, along with the other 191 local Red Cross and Red Crescent organisations, provides aid around the world.