British Red Cross
Providing humanitarian aid and promoting humanitarian principles
For over 150 years the British Red Cross has stood with people in crisis, both in the UK and abroad. Our partnership with Pears Foundation helps us to respond swiftly in emergencies and invest in long-term work that empowers young people and promotes respect for international humanitarian law. Their support enables us to deliver life-saving aid and strengthen public understanding of the principles that protect human dignity in times of conflict. We value the trust, flexibility and shared purpose that sit at the heart of this partnership.Béatrice Butsana-Sita, CEO, British Red Cross
We’re really proud of our partnership with the British Red Cross. Over the years, we’ve seen first-hand how their Seven Fundamental Principles shape everything they do. Not just as a set of principles, but as a living commitment to humanity, impartiality and service. These values closely reflect our own at Pears Foundation, and they’re why we continue to support the organisation’s work in the UK and around the world. It’s a partnership rooted in a shared belief in dignity, compassion, and the importance of standing with people in times of crisis.Sir Trevor Pears
Partner since: 2020
Funding invested: £2.4million
Pears Foundation has partnered with the British Red Cross because of our shared commitment to humanitarian principles. Guided by the seven fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement —humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality — the organisation provides humanitarian support in times of crisis while also promoting greater understanding of the laws and principles that protect human dignity during armed conflict.
Our partnership has grown over time, reflecting both the breadth of the British Red Cross’s work and our shared belief that humanitarian principles matter not only in responding to emergencies, but also in shaping how people understand conflict and the responsibilities we all share towards those affected by it.
When disasters strike, we have supported the British Red Cross’s emergency appeals, including responses to conflict in Sudan and the earthquake in Myanmar. During the Covid-19 pandemic, we also supported its work across the UK, where the organisation played a central role in the national emergency response through practical assistance and volunteer mobilisation.
Through the Pears #iWill Fund, we supported the British Red Cross to strengthen opportunities for young people to volunteer, develop leadership skills and play a more active role within their communities.
More recently, our partnership has expanded to support the British Red Cross’s work on international humanitarian law. Through research, education and public engagement, the organisation helps increase understanding of the legal and humanitarian principles that seek to protect people during armed conflict.
Together, these partnerships reflect our belief that long-term humanitarian impact depends not only on responding to crises, but also on strengthening the principles, knowledge and institutions that help protect human dignity.