Monrovia – In observance of International Volunteer Day on December 5, the Liberia National Red Cross Society is demanding greater recognition of the sizeable contribution volunteers continue to make in a world increasingly confronted with complex humanitarian challenges such as natural disasters, diseases, war, and other armed violence, poverty, hunger, and climate change.
The Liberian Red Cross noted that volunteers are frequently on the front lines of these emergency responses and exposing themselves to serious risk but their sacrifices and dedication are underappreciated and sometimes go unrecognized.
In a press release, the Secretary-General of the LNRCS Ambullai Perry mentioned that the effort of the volunteers is incredible and must not go unrecognized. He added that this year has been filled with many successes and heartfelt moments for the Liberian Red Cross.
He said on this day, the LNRCS sincerely recognizes and appreciates volunteers’ efforts to support and advance its lifesaving humanitarian mission in communities while underscoring the profound commitment of the volunteers to the work they do and to those they serve together.
The LNRCS said it is deeply thankful, amazed, and inspired by such efforts of its volunteers to provide comfort, hope, and kindness to people who face extreme emergency and disaster. “The excellence of our volunteers drives our success in time of our humanitarian and emergency operations”, Mr. Perry said.
The Red Cross Volunteers continue to provide invaluable services to countless communities around the globe “We can’t forget their impact of kindness to our society. Everyone should appreciate our volunteers for the impressive work they do without pay for the sake of humanity”, the LNRCS Secretary General said.
International Volunteer Day (IVD) is an opportunity to promote volunteerism, encourage greater support to volunteer efforts and recognize volunteer contributions in addressing vulnerability and building resilient communities.
Commemorating the Day this year under the global theme: “Volunteer for an inclusive future”, Mr. Perry also encouraged all volunteers that it’s more important than ever that they strive to be kind to others, and that they model inclusiveness and respect towards those whose points of view may differ from theirs.
“Our humanitarian acts of kindness are what define us as Red Crossers, and our actions can be sources of comfort for others” he mentioned as he wished all volunteers and their families a safe, peaceful and joy-filled IVD 2019.
The Liberian Red Cross is present in every county and district of Liberia with its dedicated volunteers to building stronger communities and addressing key humanitarian challenges of Health and Care, Disaster Risk Reduction and Food Security and Livelihood.
