The International Services Division of the Singapore Red Cross (SRC), was established to further the mission of the SRC.
Background
The SRC is developing a plan that will encourage greater resource building and networking with national societies in the region and internationally.In order to achieve its objectives, the International Services Division of the SRC works closely with various organisations and volunteers in meeting the needs of the vulnerable abroad.
International Relief
The SRC has provided relief to victims of natural disasters and conflicts through the generous support of Singaporeans by their financial assistance, skills, manpower support, and gifts of goods or services. SRC has provided relief to various countries, where more recent efforts include the displaced people affected by the crisis in the Balkans (1999), Afghanistan (2001), Iraq (2003), East Timor (2003), Lebanon (2006), the Tsunami Victims in Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Maldives (2004/5), flood victims in Philippines Tropical Storm (2004), victims of Hurricane Katrina (2005), displaced persons affected by the South Asian Floods in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, and DPRK (2007), victims of Tropical Storm Noel in Dominican Republic (2007), Malaysia Floods(2007), earthquake victims in Central Java, Indonesia (2006) and Peru (2007).
Joint Projects with Sister Societies
Joint projects and activities organised by the SRC, together with neighbouring sister National Societies, have been largely associated with health missions, relief assistance and distribution, capacity building and developmental projects. Examples of such projects include:
- Operasi Bhakti Series- Community Health projects in Indonesia.
Started in 1995 with the Batam Chapter of Indonesia Red Cross and the national headquarters of PMI; this series helped communities in Batam, Bintan, Sumatra and most recently in Kalimantan, providing health and medical consultations and water sanitation where it is most needed. - Community Service Projects with National Societies - Various projects were undertaken to assist communities in the region together with host National Societies. Projects like Saonum (Laos Red Cross, 1992), Well of Hope(Vietnam Red Cross, 2001), Outreach of Love (Indian Red Cross, 2004), Scrolanh (Cambodian Red Cross, 2004), Venus (Vietnam Red Cross, 2005), Chia Se (Vietnam Red Cross, 2006), Uom Mam (Vietnam Red Cross, 2007) and Venus2(Vietnam Red Cross, 2007) all served to enhance relationship between the youths of Singapore and the host nations.
Meeting National Obligations
How You Can Help
Individual and corporate volunteers with specialised skills and expertise are welcome to help the SRC meet its national and international obligations. The SRC requires medical and nursing professionals, pharmacists and engineers, accountants, logistics management personnel, etc. to lend their time, skills and expertise. Support towards projects could also include sponsorship of food, medical and pharmaceutical items. Opportunities are also available for other Singaporeans to share their time, talents, expertise and interests in helping those in need.
