Kindness that lifts the spirits
For 150 years, the British Red Cross has extended a helping hand to those in need going through wars, disasters and medical emergencies.
As Covid- 19 hit the UK, the charity has supported the NHS, looked after our most vulnerable and delivered food and medicines, while its hardship fund and national support line have brought comfort and help to those worried or alone.
Here, in a message to mark Remember A Charity Week, actor and British Red Cross ambassador Jason Isaacs – familiar to Harry Potter film fans as Lucius Malfoy – reflects on his links to the charity and what we can all do to support its work.
“One of the most surreal things about my life is that the self- centred job of showing off and telling stories gives me access to so many selfless people leading lives of quiet, unflashy service.
“Whether they’re employees or volunteers, at every level of the Red Cross, from the boardrooms to food banks to refugee centres I’ve found my own spirits raised by the sheer tide of kindness.
“I was shocked to find out how many different places and in how many different ways they bring humanity and comfort to the troubled. From escorting vulnerable older people home from hospital to feeding the collateral victims of war to helping heal the youngsters who have barely survived unimaginable horrors, I’ve witnessed them
getting on with doing whatever they can, practically and emotionally, without any of the hand- wringing and guilt that accompanies most of us who do so little.
“‘ The problems are so big,’ we moan. ‘ What can you really do?’ A lot.
“They achieve a huge amount but they can’t do it by themselves. Covid- 19 massively increased the demands on the Red Cross while, at the same time, donations – as to so many charities – floundered.
“You can help be part of a movement that’s existed for 150 years to comfort the afflicted and treat the most vulnerable like the most valuable. Any money left to this extraordinary organisation will be spent easing the burden of those unfortunate souls who need it most.
“You don’t even have to trust me – you can volunteer and experience it for yourself. If that’s not possible, go to their website and marvel at the breadth and warmth of their work. You’ll be glad you did.” www. redcross. org. uk/ legacy