CRC president Bun Rany (centre) with group of volunteers. CRC
The Kingdom on December 5 marked the International Day of Volunteers, this year held under the theme “volunteering for our future”.
The day was officially observed by the Cambodian Red Cross (CRC), whose volunteers have had to overcome many obstacles this year while conducting educational outreach on the prevention of Covid-19 by meeting face to face with nearly two million people in their homes and other places.
In a letter marking the event, CRC president Bun Rany said the day was an occasion to call on the public and all compatriots to continue to actively participate in efforts to prevent the spread of Covid-19 by acting responsibly.
“CRC youth and volunteers are relentlessly engaged in humanitarian operations, helping the most vulnerable victims and embodying the CRC’s ‘no one left behind’ slogan. We are striving to achieve that motto by taking action at the grassroots level to achieve global goals,” she said.
All of the CRC volunteers have worked hard to overcome obstacles and raise awareness without fear for their own safety in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19, Rany added. They have also been constantly working to provide services to conscientiously help the most vulnerable people including the victims of climate change and traffic accidents.
She called on CRC’s branches and sub-branches to strengthen their ownership in leading officials, staff, youth, and volunteers to carry out more comprehensive educational activities in the spirit of taking responsibility to prevent the pandemic.
“I would like to ask all the volunteers in our community and young people attending educational institutions to join forces in strengthening solidarity by expanding activities to build resilience and provide services to help vulnerable people in a timely manner,” Rany said.
Janet Davis, a development professional who started volunteering in Cambodia in October of this year, expressed satisfaction with her time here, saying it was greatly rewarding.
Janet volunteers as a resource support officer with This Life Cambodia in Siem Reap province and as part of the Australian Volunteers Programme.
Having worked for non-governmental organisations for over 17 years, Janet eagerly accepted the opportunity to share her skills and experience with others in Cambodia who are working to make a difference in the lives of children, families and communities.
“I made a conscious decision to move from the corporate world into the NGO sector in 2004 and I have enjoyed seeing the transformations that can be achieved.
“I’m looking forward to working with such a dynamic, impactful organisation that works alongside communities in a range of programmes designed to bring about positive, lasting change. I’m also looking forward to learning from my colleagues, assisting with building capacity and sharing my knowledge and experience,” she said.
