Red Crescent Recognizes Volunteers at International Awards Ceremony
The 4th Red Vest International Volunteering Awards ceremony, organized by the Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay), was held at Haliç University in Istanbul on Sunday.
Recognizing Selfless Contributions
The event aimed to honor volunteers who have made significant contributions to society through various humanitarian activities.
Appreciation Across Various Sectors
Kızılay acknowledged the exceptional efforts of volunteers in 34 different sectors, including disaster relief, social assistance, public health, and blood donations.
Celebrating Dedication
Volunteers engaged in activities such as visiting nursing homes, hospitals, orphanages, and organizing donation campaigns were commended for their unwavering commitment.
Inspiring Speech by Kızılay President
Fatma Meriç Yılmaz, the president of Kızılay, delivered an uplifting speech emphasizing the transformative power of volunteerism and its crucial role in global humanitarian endeavors.
Challenges and Gratitude
Yılmaz reflected on the challenges faced in 2024, expressing gratitude for the dedication of Kızılay volunteers in providing hope to affected regions worldwide.
Strength in Volunteer Network
Highlighting the strength of Kızılay's volunteer network, which now exceeds 370,000 individuals, Yılmaz praised volunteers as unsung heroes in disaster zones and society's urgent needs.
Role of Digital Platforms
Yılmaz acknowledged the growing role of digital platforms in enhancing volunteerism, citing Kızılay's successful completion of over 25,000 tasks through technology.
Warm Greetings from Istanbul Governor
Istanbul Governor Davut Gül warmly greeted attendees, appreciating the volunteers' dedication to humanitarian causes and emphasizing the importance of their service.
Personal Story and Support
Gül shared a personal anecdote of Kızılay's support during the 1984 Erzurum earthquake and praised volunteers for their continuous support in recent disasters, both physically and emotionally.
Empowering Younger Generations
Kızılay announced its efforts to engage younger generations in volunteering by reintroducing Red Crescent Youth Clubs in schools across the country, supported by the Ministry of National Education.
