On January 18, 2025, the Polish Red Cross celebrated its 106th anniversary. The last year was exceptionally demanding, but it was also a time of successes that allowed support for over a million people in need throughout Poland. The organization faced many social challenges, including the catastrophic flooding in the south of the country, while continuing its mission of providing aid and education wherever it is needed.

Thanks to the commitment of members, volunteers, employees, donors, and partners, it was possible to implement initiatives that contributed to improving the quality of life for those in need, increasing social awareness, and developing humanitarian actions.

Within the framework of the 2020 Strategy, the Polish Red Cross operates in 3 pillars: readiness to act in times of crisis, health and prevention initiatives, and activating society and reducing social inequalities.

In September 2024, the southern regions of Poland were hit by a catastrophic flood. The Polish Red Cross (PCK) immediately undertook extensive assistance efforts to support the affected residents. On the very day of the flood, PCK Rescue Groups and Humanitarian Aid Groups began collaborating with local authorities and rescue services, focusing on evacuating endangered residents and providing first aid. On the same day, the organization launched a fundraising campaign for the affected individuals and started cooperating with business partners, enabling the quick launch of humanitarian aid supplies and ongoing assistance efforts, as well as long-term aid for flood victims.

PCK monitored the needs in the disaster-affected areas and continuously delivered what was necessary at the time: power generators, heaters, dehumidifiers, radiators, as well as hygiene and food packages.

In collaboration with the University of Lower Silesia, PCK organized psychological support for those affected by the trauma of the flood. Specialists and volunteers conducted support sessions, helping residents regain their mental balance. Additionally, for over one and a half thousand children from Lower Silesia and Opole Silesia, a program called "Green Schools" was organized - educational and recreational camps with therapeutic activities to support coping with the emotional effects of the flood.

After the rescue phase, cleaning and rebuilding took place, along with a return to normal life. PCK launched a special long-term aid program for flood victims under the slogan #RenewWithPCK.

As part of the program #RenewWithPCK, implemented in the Lower Silesia, Opole, Silesia, and Lubusz Voivodeships, PCK continues to support affected households, allowing for the purchase of renovation materials, household appliances, and interior furnishings, as well as social support for the most in need. The program aims to restore the independence of families affected by the flood. PCK also supports the equipping of institutions such as schools, kindergartens, and orphanages. In 2025, we will continue to assist children from families affected by the flood by organizing camps and providing school supplies. In turn, affected seniors will benefit from rehabilitation stays.

In September 2024, the southern regions of Poland were hit by a catastrophic flood. The Polish Red Cross (PCK) immediately undertook extensive assistance efforts to support the affected residents. On the very day of the flood, PCK Rescue Groups and Humanitarian Aid Groups began collaborating with local authorities and rescue services, focusing on evacuating endangered residents and providing first aid. On the same day, the organization launched a fundraising campaign for the affected individuals and started cooperating with business partners, enabling the quick launch of humanitarian aid supplies and ongoing assistance efforts, as well as long-term aid for flood victims.

The Polish Red Cross continually emphasizes the importance of educational actions in its programs - from first aid training to crisis response training, to collaboration programs with local authorities and organizations. PCK educates society on appropriate preparedness and actions in crisis situations through the program "Be Safe with PCK".

PCK initiated a discussion on wise helping in connection with this topic. In the face of floods and other disasters, wise helping means working with trusted humanitarian organizations that possess knowledge and experience in providing effective aid. PCK urged supporting actions thoughtfully, through financial assistance that allows for quick and flexible responses tailored to the real needs of victims. This form of support enables rapid delivery of aid where it is most needed, as well as profiling assistance actions.

On November 14, World Senior Citizens Day, PCK launched a fundraising campaign under the slogan "Not Yet," which draws attention to the issue of loneliness among seniors who experience social exclusion and isolation. The campaign will run until the end of January 2025 and aims to raise funds for PCK Senior Clubs. The initiative also seeks to encourage society to take on this topic and support older people in their daily struggles.

PCK's Senior Clubs, operating in 28 locations across Poland, are places full of kindness that provide seniors with opportunities for activity, developing passions, and building bonds. They offer workshops, sports activities, digital education, excursions, and many other forms of support, helping to maintain activity and joy of life. Seniors treat them as a second home, a place where they are accepted and seen.

Only in December, thanks to the generosity of donors, PCK organized 72 holiday gatherings for seniors and lonely individuals. It also provided over 4,300 packages with food and household items, which reached the most needy seniors - this is not only practical help but above all proof that there are people who care about them and remember.

More: www.jeszczetujestem.pl

In May 2024, PCK opened its first charity shop named DOBROsklep, aimed at promoting eco-friendly actions and raising funds for those in need. Clothes donated to DOBROsklep in good condition are sold, with the proceeds going to charitable activities. These include organizing vacations and school supplies for children, assistance for needy families, and support for seniors, including help for Warsaw Uprising veterans. The first DOBROsklep PCK operates at 4 Banderii Street in Warsaw's Wola district.