THE Solomon Island Red Cross Society (SIRCS) has marked its 40th anniversary on Thursday in Honiara with the theme “celebrating 40 years of humanitarian service to vulnerable people in Solomon Islands.”
The celebration kicked off with a parade which the charitable organisation’s volunteers, staff and board members and stakeholders joined in.
SIRCS was established in the Solomon Islands in 1983 under the Solomon Islands Red Cross Society Act.
Since its establishment, SIRCS has operated within the bounds of the Act and proactively served as a voluntary aid society auxiliary to public authorities. This means that the role of the national society is to work as an extra supporter to public authorities in times of disaster.
SIRCS, in a statement on the occasion of its 40th anniversary, said it has reached another milestone because of the great support from the International Red Cross movement, the national government, its stakeholders and rural communities.
“The National Society is able to reach this far because of the great support from the international Red Cross movement, the government, and our wonderful partners and off course our own rural community people.
“Without the help and partnership of our great supporters, the National Society would not be able to carry out its role fully and according to its mandate as well. With that, we would like to thank every government institution – both national and international – who have supported us in our work since the founding of the National Society in 1983.”
It said it will continue to ensure its partnerships and collaborations are maintained and strengthened going forward.
“We will continue to ensure that our partnership and working together is maintained and strengthened into the future, knowing fully that the challenges of the future will need cooperation and partnership to be able to solve.
“To our members and volunteers – past and current, we thank you too for having the heart and passion to serve in the capacity as members and volunteers.
“Indeed, the work that you’ve all have done throughout the years is what makes the National Society what it is today,” SIRCS said.
By FLOYD TERRY JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
