Emergency Response Fund

There are few humanitarian organisations that respond as quickly to disasters as the Red Cross. Since our volunteers and staff are recruited locally, we are usually the first organisation at the scene.

In 2011, Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers across the world have responded to the devastating earthquakes in Japan and Turkey, as well as disasters that didn't make the evening news in Ireland.
To prepare for such disasters, Red Cross and Red Crescent emergency response units are on-call 24/7, ready to distribute relief items, and provide water and sanitation facilities. 

Every day, our skilled volunteers respond in the same way to other emergencies – whether they are providing emotional and practical support to victims following a train crash or rushing injured people to hospital after a flood. And we continue to stay long after the emergency is over, working with communities to rebuild their lives and help them to prepare better for future crises.

How you can help

Nobody can predict the exact location of the next drought, earthquake, or violent conflict. But when they happen, the Irish Red Cross must be ready to act within hours not days.
By supporting our Emergency Response Fund, your money will be used as soon as it is needed, anywhere in the world. You can help us be ready in advance. You can help save lives the next time disaster strikes.

Image caption: People are stuck in a traffic jam as they evacuate to higher ground after a strong earthquake was felt in Banda Aceh, Aceh province, Sumatra island, Indonesia, Wednesday, April 11, 2012. Two massive earthquakes triggered back-to-back tsunami warnings for Indonesia on Wednesday, sending panicked residents fleeing to high ground in cars and on the backs of motorcycles. There were no signs of deadly waves, however, or serious damage, and a watch for much of the Indian Ocean was lifted after a few hours. (AP Photo/Heri Juanda)