RED CROSS

the short name used in non-Muslim countries for the International Movement of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent, an international organization formed in 1864 which works to relieve suffering caused by wars and natural disasters. In Muslim countries it is known as the Red Crescent . The symbol of the Red Cross is a red cross on a white background. There are Red Cross Societies in many countries around the world, including Britain and the US, which work as part of the international organization and also provide help locally in cases of need. The American Red Cross organizes the system of blood donation by volunteers.