For a year, the Red Cross of
China helped Linda Wells search for a stem cell match for her
daughter.
After much effort, the American mother found the cells her
adopted Chinese daughter needed to survive.
"The Chinese Red Cross Society and all of the volunteers are a
shining example to the world that when we join efforts we can
accomplish miracles," Wells said late last year in Beijing after
receiving a perfect serological match donated by a Chinese cord
blood bank.
She is not alone in her feelings.
The Red Cross Society of China, which celebrates its 100th
anniversary Wednesday, has helped millions of people find a ray of
hope.
The Red Cross is a humanitarian organization devoted to
providing care to those in need.
Since its founding, the Red Cross Society of China has developed
a wide range of activities to help the needy, from war and disaster
relief to community services, and from free blood donations to
health services, said a senior official with the society.
Founded on March 10, 1904, the Red Cross Society of China has
helped wounded soldiers in wartime and refugees in times of
conflict, and provided assistance to disaster victims.
Whenever it is possible, the society supports relief activities
in other countries and regions.
In August 1950, after the founding of the People's Republic of
China, the society was reorganized with the support of the central
government, and reassumed its legal membership in the International
Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
"Dedication to Red Cross principles and ideals are increasingly
hallmarks of the Chinese Red Cross, which has consistently
developed its own institutional capacities, becoming actively
involved in the life of the International Red Cross and Red
Crescent Movement," said Jakob Kellenberger, president of the
International Committee of the Red Cross in a letter to mark the
anniversary.
The Red Cross Society of China assists the Chinese government in
implementing the Geneva Convention, and provides support to the
state in its work to develop the country and improve the health and
lives of the people.
In 1993, the Standing Committee of the National People's
Congress officially promulgated the Red Cross Law of China, which
provides legal protection for the Chinese Red Cross in its
work.
The Red Cross of Hong Kong and Macao became autonomous branches
of the society in 1997 and 1999, respectively.
Since China implemented its reform and opening program in 1978,
the society developed rapidly. Currently, there are more than
70,000 Red Cross branches with 20 million members at various
levels.
(China Daily March 10, 2004)