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Qatar Red Crescent (QRC) has marked International Volunteer Day (IVD), observed annually on December 5 by the United Nations and 189 National Societies worldwide. |
The event celebrated and promoted volunteerism, and paid a special tribute to people’s participation in making a difference locally, nationally, and globally.
The seven international humanitarian principles - humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality - were highlighted on the occasion.
The event was attended by QRC chairman Dr Mohamed bin Ghanem al-Ali al-Maadheed, secretary-general Saleh bin Ali al-Mohannadi, and Islamic preacher Sheikh Ahmed
Albuainain.
Many pioneers of volunteerism in QRC and the State of Qatar were honoured, including Sheikh Ali bin Jabor al-Thani, Sheikha Aisha bint Khalifa al-Thani, Ali bin Ahmed al-Ansari, Abdullah Ali al-Abdullah, Abdelwahed al-Mawlawi, Aisha bint Jassim al-Kuwari, and Nasser bin Ali al-Mawlawi.
Other honourees included QRC volunteers as well as volunteers from QRC’s Risk Reduction Team, different departments, Al Khor Branch, and the Young Volunteer programme.
Special thanks were expressed to the individual and institutional sponsors of voluntary action, including Faisal Mashaal al-Dossari, Dr Fahd al-Nuaimi, Qatar 2015, the Torch Doha Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Doha, the Doha Marriott Hotel, Cultural Creativity Centre, Design Creationz, and Baby Rose Flowers and Chocolate.
In his remarks, Dr al-Maadheed said that volunteerism is deeply rooted among Qataris and Arabs, whose ancestors were famous for magnanimity and eagerness to help any distressed or vulnerable person.
“Sincerity should be the basis of any charitable work. QRC volunteers work hard, day and night, to spread welfare, security, and dignity around the world.
Keynote speeches were delivered by Rashid bin Saad al-Mohannadi (director, QRC Social Development Department), Youssef Mohamed al-Moftah (director, Qatar Foundation for Elderly People Care) and Dr Haya al-Madadi (general manager, Al-Fursan Centre for Training and Consultations).
QRC has more than 1,800 volunteers locally and abroad. They have considerable achievements in social projects, such as Ramadan Iftar meal distributions, the annual Disaster Management Camp, and many other activities in first aid, disaster preparedness, health education, and organisation of QRC’s local and
international events.
