Over a hundred volunteers and staff of the Singapore Red Cross gathered at the Red Cross House on 25 January 2011 to meet Mr Tadateru Konoé, President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and esteemed colleagues from the IFRC offices in Geneva and Kuala Lumpur.

President Konoé, a dedicated volunteer himself, delivered an inspiring speech, in which he acknowledged the tremendous contributions of volunteers in the work of the Red Cross. “Volunteers are the lifeblood of the community,” he affirmed.

During the two hour sharing session, volunteers and staff engaged President Konoé in a variety of topics over refreshments, and acquainted him with the local humanitarian efforts. In turn, they gained fresh insights into the economic value of volunteerism. Cadets from the Red Cross Youth unit in Raffles Institution entertained with a dance specially choreographed for the occasion.

Earlier on 24 January 2011, President Konoé visited beneficiaries at the Red Cross Home for the Disabled (RCHD). One of the Singapore Red Cross’ services that improve the lives of vulnerable people, the RCHD is home to almost 100 residents who are severely physically and intellectually disabled. The meet-and-greet delighted the residents, who welcomed the entourage with open arms