Red Cross Collection 2025 – Visit from Anders Ladekarl

On Tuesday, September 16th, BG welcomed Anders Ladekarl, who stopped by to speak to all 2nd-year students, 1st-year HF students, and 2nd-year pre-IB students about the work of the Red Cross both in Denmark and abroad. The visit was part of the lead-up to the big Red Cross Collection taking place on Sunday, October 5th.

Ladekarl’s presentation took students on a journey to the world’s hotspots—seen through the eyes of the world’s largest humanitarian organization, the Red Cross. As Secretary General of the Danish Red Cross, Anders Ladekarl has witnessed and experienced numerous conflicts and crises, giving him a unique perspective on the meaning behind the Red Cross motto: “Always there.”

In just under 45 minutes, BG’s 2nd-year students, 2nd-year pre-IB, and 1st-year HF students were introduced to what it means to be a humanitarian organization. How do these organizations operate in conflict zones? What does humanitarian aid look like in the 21st century? What are the applicable international laws? And what are the roles of volunteers internationally and here in Denmark?

The latter was a central theme in Ladekarl’s talk, as he presented several different types of volunteer work—from the local ambulance driver with the Red Cross’ sister organization, the Palestinian Red Crescent in Gaza, to the local high school student who organizes birthday parties for vulnerable children in Denmark. His concluding point was that large humanitarian organizations cannot function without local volunteers—and that collaboration with them is essential to the shared mission of being present and providing life-saving aid when war, disaster, or climate change strikes. It’s also this collaboration that helps make the world a better place in the long run— not just in times of conflict. Spending time with someone who may be experiencing loneliness is just as valuable and contributes to a better quality of life, something we all deserve.

Ladekarl ended by encouraging the many students in the auditorium to consider how they themselves can help make a difference— whether by joining a local volunteer organization, having a coffee with someone who feels lonely, or taking a walk on Sunday, October 5th to collect donations for the Red Cross.

A big thank you to Anders for the visit— we look forward to walking in the spirit of humanitarianism on Sunday, October 5th!