Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Aug. 19, 2026) — On World Humanitarian Day, the American Red Cross of Utah is recognizing local volunteers who help families during some of the hardest moments of their lives, from home fires in their communities to major disaster relief operations across the country.
Observed each year on Aug. 19, World Humanitarian Day honors aid workers around the world who serve people facing war, disasters and other crises and remembers those who have been killed or injured in the line of duty. This year’s observance comes after the deaths of 20 Red Cross workers worldwide so far in 2026, following the loss of 27 in 2025.
For the Red Cross in Utah, the day is also an opportunity to recognize the volunteers who carry out that humanitarian mission every day. Thanks to a generous donor who wishes to remain anonymous, donations made on World Humanitarian Day will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to a total of $100,000 at redcross.org/donate.
Humanitarian Service Close to Home
Across the state, Red Cross volunteers respond to home fires and other disasters, helping families find emergency shelter and providing food, relief supplies and other assistance. They support military families, assist with blood collection and help communities prepare for emergencies.
Their service also extends beyond Utah. When hurricanes, wildfires, floods, tornadoes and other major disasters overwhelm communities across the country, volunteers from Utah deploy to support relief operations. They staff shelters, distribute meals and relief supplies, provide emotional support and help families begin the recovery process.
“World Humanitarian Day is about recognizing people who step forward to help others in moments of crisis,” said Heidi Ruster, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “That includes aid workers serving in dangerous conditions around the world, and it includes volunteers here in Utah who answer the call when a neighbor loses a home, a family needs help after a disaster or communities across the country need support.”
Be Part of the Humanitarian Mission
Volunteers make up the majority of the Red Cross workforce and are essential to delivering services every day. They are often among the first people families meet after a home fire or other disaster, providing immediate assistance when families have been forced from their homes.
People interested in volunteering with the Red Cross of Utah can explore opportunities in disaster response, blood services, support for military families and other programs at redcross.org/volunteer.
About World Humanitarian Day
Observed each year on Aug. 19, World Humanitarian Day honors humanitarian workers serving people in crisis around the world and remembers those killed or injured in the line of duty. The United Nations General Assembly designated the day in 2009 in memory of the 22 people killed in the 2003 bombing of the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
