PCK awarded the International Humanitarian Service Award

The Polish Red Cross was honored with the International Humanitarian Service Award, which is granted by the American Red Cross. The award is given to individuals or groups whose work exemplifies or inspires humanitarian values, such as human dignity, respect, compassion, and the protection and assistance contained in the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Volunteerism, Unity, and Universality.

By honoring and publicizing such actions, the Red Cross seeks to promote respect for and adherence to these principles in all situations of conflict and threats, both international and domestic, thus bringing hope and a perspective of peace between nations and peoples.

On April 26, a prestigious Leadership Awards Luncheon took place in Washington, during which Katarzyna Mikołajczyk, the General Director of the Polish Red Cross, and Michał Mikołajczyk, a member of the Main Board of the Polish Red Cross, received this distinguished award from Gail McGovern, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross.

This is a great honor for us and an appreciation of the work of our volunteers and staff, who for the past year have tirelessly provided assistance to refugees seeking a safe place in our country – emphasizes Katarzyna Mikołajczyk, General Director of the Polish Red Cross.

In 2022, the Polish Red Cross allocated over 250,000,000 PLN for humanitarian aid to the victims of the armed conflict in Ukraine. Over the year, the Polish Red Cross provided shelter, the most needed assistance, and organized long-term projects for over 1,200,000 refugees who arrived in Poland. Additionally, in cooperation with other Red Cross and Red Crescent associations and business partners, it regularly sent aid to Ukraine – so far, there have been nearly 750 shipments of over 5,600 tons of humanitarian aid.

The Polish Red Cross began its assistance actions in the first hours after the outbreak of the armed conflict in Ukraine. At reception points set up at the border with Ukraine, PCK rescuers provided medical assistance to more than 8,500 people for almost 2 months, and to the thousands more waiting in kilometer-long lines to cross into Poland, they distributed food, water, blankets, and warm clothing.

For 12 months, the PCK reacted to the ongoing needs of refugees searching for a safe place in our country. Staff and volunteers have provided over 8,839 tons of humanitarian aid: food, water, hygiene products, clothing, blankets, medical supplies, and baby items.

Link to the annual report #HelpUkraine