The Gambia Red Cross Society yesterday celebrated World Red Cross Day at all its branches across the country.
At a press conference held at the Kanifing Municipal branch, Mr. Lamin Gassama, Dissemination Officer of the Gambia Red Cross Society, who chaired the ceremony, told journalists that the value of volunteers to the Red Cross Movement has long been recognised.

He said the national Red Cross Society is not only committed to diversity in all areas of its work, but also believes that diversity will make the society more effective in meeting the needs of communities.

He went on to say that the achievement of the goals of the National Red Cross Society is best served by the active participation of citizens of the community. "To this end, the organisation accepts and encourages the involvement of volunteers at all levels in the society and within all suitable programmes and activities".

He then thanked the Gambian leader, President Yahya Jammeh, ActionAid The Gambia, the Taiwanese ambassador, Jammeh Foundation For Peace, UNCHR, Jaliba Kuyateh, Muslim Hands, NAS and other donors for the support rendered to them.
For his part, Lamin William Jammeh, Secretary General of the Gambia Red Cross Society, said the society’s programme provides opportunities for members to contribute actively to the functioning of the Red Cross. "While contributing their skills and time to programmes and activities, the society will endeavour to create an enabling environment through which volunteers will gain knowledge, recognition, experience and satisfaction," he said.