Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — Authorities on Tuesday emphasized the importance of volunteerism among Saudis. This came as vital agencies in the Kingdom celebrated the World Volunteers Day aiming to attract more people toward the noble cause.

Saudi Red Crescent Authority, Civil Defense and Ministry of Health marked the event separately.

Saudi Red Crescent Authority marked the event in Makkah region with aiming to encourage people upon volunteerism and developing the culture of humanitarian assistance by opting to volunteer.

Dr. Khalid Salem Al-Habshi, director general of Saudi Red Crescent Authority in Makkah region, urged in his opening remarks to make more efforts for the community service through volunteerism. He praised the performance of volunteers in hour of need in the region. He also said there were abundant options of service in the region where inflow of pilgrims is high. The director also said that volunteers help the most vulnerable people to improve their lives, and they make community supportive and connected especially in need of hour.

“Saudi Red Crescent Authority’s doors are open for all of all age groups,” said Majid Al-Harity, director of volunteering department in Jeddah, SRCA. He emphasized that volunteerism also builds the personality of an individual as one acquires new skills in his day-to-day life.

Saqr Al-Salami, regional director of volunteerism section has said that volunteers rendering notable service in Haj and umrah season in the region.

Saudi Red Crescent Authority teams also visited Prince Sultan Education complex and an institute of deaf in Jeddah. The visits were led by Al-Harity who was accompanied by Ayad Al-Shamrani of first aid division, according to Abdullah Abuzaid, spokesperson of SRCA in Jeddah.

An SRCA team led by Al-Shamrani conducted demonstration-cum-training session of first aid for students at the deaf institute. He also presented a memento to Mohammed Saad Al-Turki, director of the institute.

Civil Defense officials in Makkah region also celebrated the volunteer day. Scouts from various schools were invited to Civil Defense facilities and were explained about the noble cause of volunteerism, according to Civil Defense official, Capt. Naif Shareef.

The Ministry of Health is planning to inculcate the volunteer culture among its personnel and it has contributed more than 60,000 volunteering service hours by its employees across the Kingdom, according to Dr. Ibrahim Al-Haidari of the ministry’s community participation programs.