BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Thursday, May 8, 2014
WORLD Red Cross and Red Crescent Day falls today, May 8, marking its 150th year of establishment.
Founded by Jean Henri Dunant in 1863, the organisation holds on to the seven principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.
The Brunei Red Crescent Society (BRCS) last night held a mass prayer and tahlil ceremony at the surau of the National Stadium to observe the special day.
“Together for Humanity”, the theme for this year’s celebration, highlights the importance of partnership in handling humanitarian relief efforts.
To this end, the Brunei Red Crescent Society (BRCS) is planning a working visit to its counterpart in Indonesia next month.
“The members will visit hospitals and participate in humanitarian relief aid activities,” said BRCS Public Relations Officer Ya-Aneta Hj Mohd Yusuf.
In its bid to create stronger ties with the Red Cross and Red Crescent societies in the region, BRCS actively participates in various regional meetings and events such as the World Youth Conference and Leaders Conference.
BRCS began as Brunei Red Cross Society in 1948 under the administration of the British Red Cross.
It became known as BRCS after Brunei’s independence in 1984.
Currently, BRCS has over 1,000 members with secondary school students making up the majority.
The students are considered as regular members or volunteers at the BRCS, while its nurses and the Humanitarian Aid Disaster Relief Team (HADRT) carry out their specific duties.
The qualified nurses are posted in static clinics during national events to administer first aid and give medical attention to those in need.
Meanwhile, the HADRT was introduced on March 24. The team has 18 members who had been trained in humanitarian relief efforts. They are required to be on standby 24/7 to provide assistance in emergencies.
To celebrate this year’s World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, BRCS invites the public to join its blood donation drive at Times Square Shopping Centre on Sunday morning.
The Brunei Times
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