American Red Cross

The mission of the American Red Cross is that it “prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors” (Redcross.org).  The initiative of the American Red Cross is like it says in its mission statement. The entire purpose is the help those who are facing an emergency or left in the wake of a tragic event. They help by providing shelter and food among other necessities to those left with homes, they help by providing blood to those in need, and they help in many other ways.

The company uses big data to help decide where they are most needed and go there as soon as possible. They know that if they are to make the biggest impact they need to be there as soon as they are needed. The data that they collect from past events and from the knowledge of where they are needed to go next allows them to be much better prepared for the next time they are needed to go anywhere. The more prepared they are the better they can serve those in need. The data they collect is coming more from the people they are helping and the news.

As most people know the American Red Cross is an established company and was founded by Clara Barton and some of her acquantances in Washington, D.C. on May 21, 1881. Barton was inspired to found the organization after visiting Europe after the Civil War and hearing about the Swiss-inspired global Red Cross (redcross.org). The American Red Cross is technically a non-profit company because it does not  require money from those people it helps or attempts to help. They are benefiting from pursuing the public good by being the face of help when it is needed during tragic events and/or circumstances. The American Red Cross being that face of help in times of need allow people to know who to get in contact with when they are in need of help. Also being an established and trusted organization allows people to trust them and give donations to the company whether or not it is monetary, blood, or food and water. The donations from the general public make a large difference in the lives of those individuals who have been affected first hand by the generosity of the American Red Cross. By not expecting something in return and being that face during times of emergency, they have make a huge impact.