Commemorating the 147th Anniversary of the World Red Cross
-Red Cresent Day
The Cambodian Red Cross (CRC) held a fund-raising drive to commemorate the 147th Anniversary of the World Red Cross - Red Crescent Day. The goal was to help CRC continue to support and relieve the sufferings of the most vulnerable, given its historic record of aiding those who lack the wherewithal to help themselves. The group has also helped with trying to reunite family members in the aftermath of the displacement of the Khmer Rouge years.
H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, President of the University of Cambodia (UC) and Secretary of State for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, presented a donation of $5000 on behalf of UC to CRC on April 30. He also helped faciliate a donation from Thakral Company, which made a separate donation of $5000 to CRC.
The theme for the commemoration was “Saving Lives – Changing Mindsets,” and donors were recognized at an event on Saturday, May 8, 2010, in Phnom Penh. Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen presided over the event.
The event marked another important collaboration between the CRC, the Royal Government of Cambodia, and the Cambodian people. It spoke to a shared sense of determination and effort with the aim to spur socioeconomic growth and development. Those suffering from the threat of natural disasters were at the heart of the conversation.
Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen poignantly noted the important work of the CRC with respect to stop-gap poverty measures and the alleviation of human suffering. He stated, “The CRC has been an instrumental force in social development, poverty reduction and the protection of humanity.”
Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen poignantly noted the important work of the CRC with respect to stop-gap poverty measures and the alleviation of human suffering. He stated, “The CRC has been an instrumental force in social development, poverty reduction and the protection of humanity.”
“We acknowledge that the CRC has always faced daunting challenges in mobilizing human and financial resources, rescue equipments, and other support to respond effectively to the urgent needs of victims,” noted the Prime Minister.
CRC’s work reflects Cambodia’s “culture of sharing.” The Cambodian Red Cross Movement, which happens to be the largest humanitarian organization in the country, dates back to February 18, 1955, when it was first incepted.
“Saving Lives – Changing Mindsets” was the key message for the campaign during the Commemoration of the 147th Anniversary of the World Red Cross-Red Crescent Day. It was included in the strategic framework 2011-2020, thus highlighting the importance to “take more actions,” “make it better,” and “take a step deeper and farther than before” in its humanitarian operation. This will help to ensure the continued fight to combat abject poverty and build on the human strength and dignity of the Cambodian people.
