Saudi Red Crescent Authority held last Monday an event celebrating the International Volunteering Day in Riyadh attended by H.E president of SRCA, Dr. Jalal bin Mohammed Al Owaisi and GCC authorities and societies representatives.

Dr. Al Owaisi stated during his speech at the event that volunteering is one of the main elements of support that helps deliver the SRCA message and save lives and alleviating suffering. Such support is realized in the vast participation of volunteers in SRCA activities, with over 91695 male and female volunteers spending over 1094238 volunteering hours in various activities.

He also commended the achievements made by SRCA volunteers in all over the Kingdom, stating that our Saudi youth are having a high level of understanding of the importance of volunteering role in the society in establishing the spirit of cooperation and nobility. His excellency also stressed that the authority is very keen to have a strong position in realizing goals of Saudi vision 2030 for having one million male and female volunteers.

Following that, SRCA vice president Dr. Fahad Al Hajaj gave a speech on the role of volunteer work in community building and its impact on individuals in a way that contributes to reinforcing the pace of growth and development that every nation seeks. He also praised the SRCA volunteers and their contribution in presenting the humanitarian message of the Authority in delivering emergency medical services to increasing the awareness of society.

The event also witnessed presentations delivered by officials of the Red Crescent of GCC countries on their experiences with volunteer work, the size of goals achieved at the GCC level in this field, and how those countries have become at the forefront of the regions of the world that focus on volunteering and make it one of their main goals.

After that, statistics on the volunteer work carried out by the Authority were presented. In addition to the story of a volunteer, the Young Paramedic program was introduced, and its aim is to promote the culture of volunteer work and the learning of first aid skills among children. The Kafo program was also introduced to motivate volunteers to do volunteer work.

The event was concluded by the inauguration of the volunteer platform with its new identity and honoring a number of volunteers and employees of the Authority who had made outstanding contributions to volunteer work and activities during the past year.