Anniversaries - 160 Years of the Red Cross in Slovenia

The Slovenian Red Cross is marking 160 years of activity in Slovenia this year. Its origins date back to 1866, when the Women’s Association for the Care of Wounded and Sick Soldiers was established in Carniola, then a crown land of the Austrian Empire. In 1902 the Women’s Association merged with the Provincial Patriotic Relief Association for Men. The unified association operated as part of the Austro- Hungarian Red Cross Society until the end of the First World War. The Slovenian Red Cross was re-established on 18 June 1944 in Gradac, Bela Krajina (south-eastern Slovenia) through the convening of a founding assembly and began operating immediately.

Today the Slovenian Red Cross consists of 56 regional associations. More than 15,000 volunteers are active under its umbrella, carrying out half a million volunteer hours each year. Each year it provides various forms of assistance and support to 102,000 people. With the help of donors, it enables 2,000 children and older people from socially disadvantaged backgrounds to enjoy free holidays each year. The “Be Part of the Team” campaign raises awareness of the importance of blood donation, with 400 mobile blood donation drives organised each year in cooperation with regional associations. It provides first aid education, training and skills development for the general public. It helps migrants and is the main support to public authorities in the event of emergencies and disasters.

It actively promotes empathy and solidarity and upholds humanitarian values.

Slovenian Red Cross