Doha: Qatar Red Crescent (QRC) has honoured its volunteers – old and new – on the occasion of International Volunteer Day.
The celebration was carried out in conjunction with 187 national societies around the world on December 5 in recognition of the efforts and dedication of volunteers in the service of humanitarian work.
QRC has over 1000 volunteers serving the organisation at the local and international level and witnessed an unprecedented number of volunteers in the period 2011-2012; attracting large numbers of new volunteers after participating in the Disaster Management Camp III event.
Twenty-eight volunteers, including three female volunteers, were selected as a new team of certified trainers. QRC recruited those volunteers at the disaster management event, many of whom have enriched a number of programs and events with social and cultural, entertainment and awareness goals. Volunteers have made a significant contribution to the success of QRC campaigns all over the world.
Highlights of the ceremony included reading verses from the Holy Quran by volunteer Abdul Aziz Al Qahtani, singing of the national anthem and a volunteer girl, Buthaina Mohammed, collecting statements from the audience.
QRC was founded in 1978, as a humanitarian organisation that aims to assist and empower vulnerable individuals and communities without discrimination or prejudice.
Headquartered in Doha, QRC is a member of the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and works locally and internationally.
QRC oversees the implementation of international relief and development projects and programs in a number of countries across the Middle East, Asia and Africa with the help of a vast network of trained and committed staff and volunteers.
The Secretary General of QRC, Saleh bin Ali Al Mohannadi, dedicated a special speech to the volunteers: “I am pleased to meet you on this occasion which is celebrated by the National Societies of Crescent and Red Cross in 187 countries and which is very dear to our hearts, namely the celebration of our volunteers,” Al Mohannadi said.
“Voluntary service is one of the seven guiding principles of humanitarian action and as we celebrate International Volunteer Day we express our appreciation for their continuing efforts in light of the fact that volunteers have been considered the cornerstone of the international humanitarian movement since its inception,” he added.
The Peninsula
