Together in action during unprecedented challenges 

Dear reader, 

The time has come for me to step down as Red Cross director. For that, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on five years of memories. 

Starting in the Netherlands. In recent years, we have faced unprecedented challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic forced us to scale up and take our assistance to an unprecedented level. We were ready during the floods in Limburg and helped around the clock during the conflict in Ukraine. The Red Cross played a crucial role in providing humanitarian assistance and a safe haven for a great many people, regardless of their background or nationality.  

Let us also not forget our colleagues in the Caribbean islands, who supported a lot of people with the food programme during the pandemic. Masha danki. 

I have admired the dedication and commitment of the Red Cross in many countries such as Ukraine, Ethiopia, Mali, Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, Kenya, Venezuela, Somaliland. I would like to express my sincere thanks to all Red Cross volunteers, staff and partners. You are the ones who make a difference every day. I leave with a heart full of gratitude and pride. Thank you for your tireless efforts, your passion and your unconditional dedication. Together we have made a difference, and I know you will continue to do so. 

How we make that difference, we show again this time in the Henry+. We travel to Bonaire in 'Around the World'. Here, the Red Cross launched the Social Economic Plan, designed to provide vulnerable households with assistance. In 'At the table with', four Red Crossers talk about first aid in education. Furthermore, you can read what the Red Cross did last year in the field of event assistance in 'Story in numbers'.  In addition, in 'The + of' you can read the special story of Ineke, a volunteer who has been in action for the Red Cross since she was aged six. 

Stay in action. Move forward and keep striving for a world where everyone can count on help, compassion and hope. Keep believing in the power of action, the power of the Red Cross. I certainly do! 

Happy reading, 

Marieke van Schaik
General Director