Today marks the 100 years since the passing of Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross movement.
As we saw earlier this week, Mr. Dunant sure had a wicked-awesome beard. But, what are some other noteworthy facts about this Swiss businessman and humanitarian?
Well, here are few.
Did you know?
- He was born in Geneva on 8 May 1828. World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is celebrated every year on his birthday
- On November 30, 1852, he founded the Geneva chapter of the YMCA
- His book that sparked the idea for the Red Cross Movement, “A Memory of Solferino”, was printed in 1862. He paid for the publishing of all 1600 copies. Yowza!
- His commitment to his humanitarian ideals led other areas of his life to suffer. Eventually, he accumulated many debts and was shunned by his acquaintances
- He was the recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901
You can find out more about Dunant’s life here.