If you could guess the economic worth of all Red Cross, Red Crescent volunteers around the world, what would you say? $100 million US? $500 million US?
Try $6 billion US. Yes, you read that right.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies recently published a report that calculates for the first time the economic value of all the volunteers within the Movement. The value is based on the services they deliver during disasters and every day through community development initiatives around the world.
The report also calculates the total number of Red Cross, Red Crescent volunteers worldwide at 13.1 million – just a little less than the population of Ontario at 13.2 million – showing the significant added value for donor dollars during emergencies and with community initiatives. In Canada, the Red Cross has over 30,000 volunteers.
The value of volunteers was illustrated following the Haiti earthquake last year, when hundreds of Haitian Red Cross volunteers provided search and rescue and first aid within hours of the disaster. Even in Canada, many Red Cross programs and services are only made possible because of the dedication and compassion of our volunteers.
This year celebrates volunteers. Are you a Red Cross volunteer? How do you fit volunteering into your busy life? We would love to hear your thoughts.