In a first, Kashmir Red Cross Society today organized International volunteer cum facilitation day programme at Kothibagh headquarter on Saturday.The programme was organized to highlight the importance of volunteers in combating the eventualities in day to day life.Secretary, Kashmir Red Cross Society Volunteers, M R Matoo while throwing light on the theme of today's workshop, he said the aim of the workshop is to build a resilient community of volunteers within the society to tackle the eventualities like flood, earthquake, fire and accidents.He said these volunteers form backbone of Red Cross Society and the sole aim of the workshop is to train more and more people who can voluntarily help masses during any eventuality.One such volunteer Shabir Ah Khan who has till date donated one hundred sixty-three points of blood said that the Kashmir Red Cross Society has two volunteer groups, Ahli Biat Charitable trust of one hundred male volunteers and Khair ul Anam First Aid Society of hundred female volunteers.
The Secretary on the occasion was apprised about the various difficulties faced by volunteers during the course of help; he was informed that the volunteers don't possess I-Cards which they need to carry with them to ensure smooth conduct of mandated volunteer work during difficult times and obviously for security reasons.Responding to a grievance by a group of volunteers that they don't get proper support and coordination from the people while responding to eventualities, he said that more volunteer awareness programs will be organized in future to educate people.He further said that the volunteerism needs passion, courage and calmness to handle the pressure situation and more initiatives will be taken for the welfare of volunteers so as to increase the number of volunteers.