SIRC launched three events on May 8, 2009

May 8, the World Red Cross and Red Crescent day was an important moment for the Solomon Islands Red Cross (SIRC). It has launched three events; the launch of the 150 years of the Red Cross and Red Crescent work in serving humanity, the birth of Henry Dunant (the founder of the Red Cross), and the opening of the 2009 public appeal.

Speaking during the launch, Mr. Bobby Kwaomae, the SIRC honorary treasurer said the 150 years of the Red Cross and Red Crescent worldwide is marked with a campaign: Our world. Your move. The campaign is calling for action from individuals, community level, and to the global level. Because the world we are living in is facing many challenges ranging from conflicts to the impacts of Climate Change, emerge of new diseases like now the H1N1 flu (commonly known as swine flu), have threatened the lives of the peoples.

"The Red Cross is humbly calling us to believe in humanity by giving a helping hand wherever we are staying and also to give support in whatever form. Because somewhere not far from you some families have lost their homes and gardens or a baby is in need of milk to survive", he said.

In his keynote address, Mr. Kwaomae formally launched the 'Our world. Your move'campaign which is now happening until the formal celebration of the 150 years of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement on 26 and 27th June, 2009. That celebration in June. According to Mr. Niniu Oligao, the leader of the 'Our world. Your move' campaign taskforce the general public is asked to participate in the 150 years of the Red Cross celebration which will be held in Honiara.

To open the annual public appeal, Mr. Kwaomae also asked the public to donate a coin or a dollar during the local Red Cross appeal week to help those who need help.