What do you do in your free time? Some people take up courses, others exercise, others go out with friends, some watch reality show programmes, while others offer some time to help other people in the community.

Red Cross day has been celebrated around the globe since May 8th 1948. The date commemorates the birthday of the founder of the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement Henri Dunant. His humanitarian, voluntary spirit and through a lot of determination led to the creation of the movement and the signing of the Geneva conventions.

The movement is now considered to be the largest humanitarian organisation in the world. Its mission is to save lives and alleviate sufferings in the local communities and around the world. This is done through a network of more than 80 million altruistic volunteers who provide the necessary support.

These three months proved to be very busy and exciting for all the Malta Branch volunteers. The branch ran the annual First Responder - Advanced First Aid course for its basic first aiders. 14 volunteers completed this course successfully and have made the team stronger. In the same period, three First Responders attended an EMT-B course organised and delivered by the Gozo branch. This also proved an enriching experience for the branch.

Healthy volunteers make up a healthy team which in turn will be able to provide a premium service. This is why, in this issue we have focused on the volunteer, without whome the branch would stall. Social and sports activities, exchanges, as well as ongoing training ensure that the volunteer receives all-round formation.

Go recently pledged its full support to the Malta Red Cross First Malta Branch and has donated funds.

The following is a Thank You email we received for the services rendered at the Farsons Beer Festival...

For the third year in a row, we were asked by the Civil Protection Department to support its operations and provide First Aid coverage in the Isle of MTV. As the day approached, the Malta Red Cross – First Malta Branch, briefed its volunteers with the last minute updates and prepared its vehicles for the big event.

Welcome to the fourth issue of the Malta Red Cross – First Malta Branch Quarterly. Our newsletter keeps you up‐to‐date with what is going on within the branch as well as with the events and activities, both locally and internationally, which shape the work of the Branch. It is only through assisting people in need that the Malta Red Cross – First Malta Branch is able to fulfill its roles in society.

If you are interested in joining the Malta Red Cross - Malta Branch, send an email with your personal details to info@redcrossmalta.org.mt for more information.