Red Cross Against Saving at the Expense of Humanity

The increasing demand at social institutions is a cause for concern, said the Red Cross at the annual press conference. Saving is sensible, said Schöpfer, "but not at the expense of humanity." Annually, 3.4 million missions are carried out, with a total distance of 68 million kilometers. Over 3.2 million patients are cared for. There are 330,000 whole blood donations annually, which corresponds to 165,000 liters of blood. Anyone could eventually rely on the help of others, said the president.

Red Cross: Poverty is not a marginal issue

Austria is one of the wealthy countries in the world, yet poverty is a central issue, noted ÖRK Secretary General Michael Opriesnig. He also pointed to the current 130 armed conflicts worldwide and disasters that would continue to increase due to climate change. In all crisis areas, people in need seek protection under the universal symbol of the Red Cross or Red Crescent. According to Opriesnig, the ÖRK hopes for a clear commitment from Austrian politics to international aid and development cooperation. He described planned cuts as particularly painful. "We sincerely hope that the ceasefire in Gaza holds," said the Secretary General regarding the situation in the Middle East. To alleviate the need at least somewhat, at least 1,000 truckloads per day are needed.

Many children affected by poverty

Astrid Kepplinger-Past, Head of Support in Social Emergencies at the Red Cross Lower Austria, pointed out that of the approximately 22,000 people who are supplied at the distribution points of the "Team Austria Table" in the state alone, 42 percent are children, which is concerning. The number of pickups has nearly doubled from 65,000 in 2020 to 112,000 (2024). At the same time, the number of food donations has increased by 30 percent. Especially for the youngest, efforts are being made intensively to give them a better start in life, emphasized Kepplinger-Past. This also means help in school. The learning support offers in Lower Austria are currently used by about 8,500 boys and girls.

(APA/Red)

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