Mission Statement

The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, will provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.

Who We Are

The American National Red Cross, founded on May 21, 1881, recently celebrated its 126th anniversary, and is the oldest recognized non-profit organization in the country. The mission of the American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by it’s Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, is to provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.

The Cape Fear Chapter was founded on November 10, 1908 as the Wilmington Chapter of the American Red Cross. The Chapter celebrated its 100th anniversary in November 10, 2008 and is the oldest established non-profit organization in the greater Wilmington area.

The Cape Fear Chapter currently serves Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, New Hanover and Pender counties.  In accordance with the organization’s mission, the Cape Fear Chapter provides vital programs and services, many of which are unduplicated, to area residents including:

• emergency communications for military members and their families
• support for area blood drives, donor recruitment and education efforts
• dissemination of disaster prevention and preparedness information
• immediate relief to local victims of disaster that is focused on meeting their emergency needs
• lifesaving safety training courses in CPR, first aid, water and workplace safety
• international tracing services that reconnect loved ones with family members separated by conflict throughout the world