THE WONDER WOMEN

During the First World War, women volunteers joined the British Red Cross, keen to do their bit for the war effort. Although that was a century ago, their legacy lives on today

For many women, the First World War signalled the end of compulsory homemaking. Up and down the country, women became an essential part of the workforce, filling the shoes of the men away fighting for king and country. Some became medics, farmers, teachers and bus conductors – others joined the ranks of the Red Cross as Voluntary Aid Detachments ( VADs).

The Red Cross VADs provided vital aid to naval and military forces, caring for sick and wounded soldiers, sailors and airmen, driving ambulances and carrying out important support duties. At one time, there were a staggering 90,000 volunteers working at home and abroad – and nearly three quarters of them were women.

The lifesaving work carried out by the volunteers today is as essential as it was in 1918 – in fact last year, the humanitarian support provided by the British Red Cross was higher than at any other time in the organisation’s history. If you’d like to find out more about volunteering, go to redcross.org.uk/volunteer.

Only through the kindness and generosity of today’s supporters can the organisation be ready to help those in crisis, whether they’re on the other side of the world or on your own street.

By leaving a gift in your will, you can leave your own legacy and ensure this vital charity can support vulnerable people around the world for the next hundred years and beyond.

“Believe in the power of kindness”