At a House of Commons event on 15 December Mike Gapes, MP for Ilford South pledged support for the work of the British Red Cross and its renewed vision for the next 5 years.

Known as Saving Lives, Changing Lives, the strategy sets out the ambitions and priorities, and explains the difference the British Red Cross plans to make between 2010-2015, by helping vulnerable people in crisis whoever and wherever they are.

The charity will continue to expand its help to those left in need by major emergencies of all types and will build more resilient communities. It will also provide essential health and social care to those most vulnerable to everyday crises and will support the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to meet growing humanitarian needs around the world.

Mr Gapes said “The Red Cross has helped millions throughout the world for many years.  ‘Saving Lives, Changing Lives’ sets out a clear and dynamic direction for the next 5 years. I look forward to its implementation and will support its aims wherever possible, including here in Ilford.”

The end of 2009 is an historic moment for the Red Cross/ Red Crescent Movement, which marks the 150^th anniversary of the battle of Solferino, which was the catalyst behind the Red Cross, as well as the 90^th anniversary of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies.

For more information on the British Red Cross please visit: http://www.redcross.org.uk