The Liberia National Red Cross Society has launched a nationwide “$1 Initiative” to rally public support as the humanitarian organization faces a major funding crisis threatening its emergency response operations across Liberia.
The appeal comes amid the withdrawal of two major international donors, USAID and the Embassy of Sweden in Liberia, a development Red Cross officials say has created a serious financial gap in disaster response efforts.
Speaking during the launch in Monrovia, the Secretary General of the Liberia National Red Cross Society Gregory T. Blamoh disclosed that the Swedish Embassy alone contributed nearly 40 percent of the organization’s annual program budget last year, describing the loss as a major setback. “It is like having ten dollars and suddenly four dollars are taken away, while your responsibilities remain the same or even increase,” he explained.
Blamoh stated that the funding crisis is coming at a critical time when Liberia is entering the peak of the rainy season, with increased risks of flooding, storms, fires, and other humanitarian emergencies.
Already, the Secretary General of Red Cross narrated that violent storms have damaged homes in Nimba County and Lofa County, while fire incidents have been reported in at least six counties between January and March this year. According to him, many vulnerable families continue to rely heavily on humanitarian assistance, especially those living in flood-prone communities and victims of fire outbreaks who have lost homes and livelihoods.
“People come to us expecting help, and sometimes it is difficult to tell them we cannot respond because there is no money. That is one of the hardest parts of this work,” the Secretary General said. He emphasized that climate change is worsening the situation, with stronger storms, heavier flooding, and extreme heat becoming more frequent across the country.
Blamoh disclosed that Red Cross is also working with rural communities to discourage slash-and-burn farming practices and promote tree planting as part of efforts to reduce environmental damage and improve climate resilience. The Red Cross boss stressed that protecting workers’ health is also central to national productivity, noting that a healthy workforce helps businesses remain productive and supports government revenue generation through taxes.
“A safe workplace is a productive workplace, referencing recent workplace health outreach campaigns conducted in businesses, international organizations, and government ministries, including the Ministry of Finance where over 1,200 workers were reached,” he said. Launching the $1 Initiative, the Red Cross Boss called on businesses, ministries, organizations, and ordinary citizens to contribute at least one dollar monthly to support humanitarian operations nationwide.
Moreover, he believes that small contributions from many people can create a strong national support system capable of saving lives during emergencies. Also speaking, Deputy Director for Operations, Col. P. Edwin Tisdell of the Liberia National Fire Service pledged stronger collaboration with the Red Cross in fire prevention, rescue operations, and community awareness.
However, Deputy Director Tisdell praised Red Cross volunteers for their sacrifices, saying both institutions often respond together at scenes of tragedy where families lose homes, businesses, and loved ones. Former Red Cross Secretary General and Criminal Court “A” Judge, His Honor Roosevelt Z. Willie also pledged support for the campaign, recalling his years of service with the organization during Liberia’s civil conflict.
He described the Red Cross as an institution of sacrifice, courage, and discipline, saying its volunteers continue to risk their lives to serve humanity. As the rainy season intensifies, the Red Cross says the $1 Initiative is not just a fundraising campaign, but a national call for solidarity to ensure that no Liberian facing disaster is left without hope.
