PRCS prioritises community-based volunteerism to better respond to disasters

Islamabad
The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) is focusing its attention on community-based volunteerism by providing first aid, disaster preparedness and rescue trainings so that Pakistan is better able to cope with natural or man-made disasters.
PRCS Chairman Dr Saeed Elahi made this observation while addressing the opening ceremony of the 5th National Youth and Volunteer Camp here on Friday. The camp is being attended by 20 participants each from KPK, Punjab, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sindh and Fata.
Minister for SAFRON Abdul Qadir Baloch, who was the chief guest, termed youth as the backbone in the development of any society. “The volunteers of PRCS have contributed immensely during times of disasters and they do so with a singular aim of helping those in need, being the first to reach the scene of disaster and the last to leave,” he complimented. He said Pakistan being a disaster-prone country needs trained volunteers to cope with the natural and man-made disasters.
Addressing the volunteers, Baloch said, “Your services speak volumes of not only the leadership, guidance, grooming and training provided to you by PRCS but also the amazing qualities that our Pakistani youth is inherently blessed with.”
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Saeed acknowledged the competencies and contributions of PRCS volunteers and motivated them to bring further laurels for the Society. “We have a committed base of 1.7 million volunteers from every nook and corner of Pakistan; these volunteers represent the communities that they live in and it is for this reason that PRCS has acceptability with everyone and everywhere in Pakistan. Be it Fata, Awaran or no-go areas in the urban centers, the volunteers of the PRCS are welcomed with open arms. These volunteers come with different skill sets, are extremely motivated and are invariably the first to reach a scene of a disaster and the last to leave. Our volunteers have participated in every disaster response operation undertaken and have always served selflessly,” Dr. Saeed said.
The youth camp will continue till April 28.