As a journalist reporting from major events both in the UK and abroad, I have seen first-hand the extraordinary work of organisations like the British Red Cross.

From the devastating famine in Ethiopia to the tragic Lockerbie plane crash bombings I have witnessed the Red Cross in action helping people in crisis both in the immediate aftermath and long after the media has moved on to the next story.

That is why I am urging people to support Red Cross Week 2012, the British Red Cross’s annual fundraising drive.

This year it takes place from May 6 to 12 and the charity aims to raise £1million to help people in crisis.

Volunteer collectors will be out in and about, asking for your help. Please consider sparing £1, or whatever you can afford, to support the vulnerable in your local community as well as overseas.

You could even sign up to shake a bucket yourself – a new video at redcross.

org.uk/redcrossweek takes a light-hearted look at how best to encourage passers-by to donate.

With a little help from you the British Red Cross can raise the funds it needs to continue its vital work.

In the past year alone the Red Cross has been teaching life-saving first aid skills in schools and businesses across the UK as well as responding to the food crisis in East Africa and providing aid to people in Syria.

To get involved this Red Cross Week or to donate, visit redcross.org.uk/red crossweek

Michael Buerk
Journalist and broadcaster