Brunei Red Crescent to set up new voluntary unit for community work

Rachel Thien

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, April 24, 2011

THE Brunei Darussalam Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) is planning to establish a new Voluntary Aid Unit (VAD) to reach out to those in need of food, shelter and medical supplies.

To realise the establishment of the unit, the non-uniform unit is calling out to Bruneian youth, young adults or elders to join.

"We are planning to open a new unit, which is a voluntary unit and is non-uniform. This unit will not be like the association in carrying out duties, but to do more community work outside the association," the society's Commandant Safinah Hj Othman told The Brunei Times yesterday.

She went on to explain that they were not only limited to attracting the youth to join them, but called on others to also contribute to the community.

Another commandant of the society, Mohd Amirulrizal Makmun, explained that with the occurence of disasters such as fires and floods, those affected need support.

"So we are trying to step forward and reach out to them," he said.

He added part of the plans to set-up the voluntary unit was to find and reach out to the needy people in the community.

"We are looking into providing these people with food, medical supplies and shelter. InsyaAllah, we will establish this unit by the end of the year or early next year," Mohd Amirulrizal said.

Safinah said they have already received applications from volunteers to join the unit, but called out to more potential volunteers.

"We are calling on Bruneians to be willingly committed to join us to carry out our duties as Bruneians, by showing our love for the country and helping others. You may be surprised in carrying out community services," she said.

"For me, carrying out community service gives me the a sense of fulfillment, by helping people in need," she added.

Mohd Amirulrizal echoed Safinah's sentiments, and said setting up the VAD was a platform for Bruneians to give back to society.

"The purpose of the VAD is to make Bruneians realise a lot of benefits have been given by the government. So joining the unit is a way they can give back to society," he said.

Mohd Amirulrizal added other plans in the pipelines was to conduct a medical course that would be recognised worldwide and accredited by the International Federation of Red Cross.

"We will give the participants a certificate which is internationally recognised once they have completed the course," he said.

"To have that certificate is really prestigious, because you will able to help people around the world," he added.

Mohammad Amirulrizal Makmun (C), Treasurer cum secretary of Humanitarian Charity Expo and Carnival, and Safinah (L), Public Relations Officer of Charity Expo, Carnival and Walkathon, during the press conference at the Youth Centre yesterday. Picture: BT/Saifulizam

The Brunei Times