International Volunteer Day - 5 December 2003

In 1985, the United Nations designated 5 December as International volunteer day. This day celebrates the efforts of those who have made an important contribution to society by giving their time as volunteers.

More and more Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are taking an active part nationally, regionally and locally in celebrating the day each year in collaboration with government and voluntary organisations.

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Focus on volunteers
A collection of stories representing the magnificent work carried out by volunteers throughout the world

Volunteer recounts grim realities of war Iraq Red Crescent volunteer Inass Mouaiid recovered and buried bodies during the war. El Salvador - an example worth following Hortensia is one of 15 social volunteers trying to improve the health of her fellow villagers. Volunteers strong in eye of Ebola storm Dressed in green shirts and black rubber boots, Congolese volunteers battle a terrifying Ebola outbreak.     Profile: Marina de Paz After 38 years of voluntary service, Marina can still be found at her reception desk, greeting all those new to the Movement.

Songs from Soweto Soweto volunteers working in HIV/AIDS projects have formed a choir “to sing their sorrows away”.   Kuwait: helping at home Volunteers are helping vulnerable people at home and next door. Life and death of a volunteer On 26 September 2003 volunteer Dadi Kusmayadi died trying to save others.     Ethiopia volunteers weigh children Ethiopian Red Cross volunteers weigh and measure the children of the village.

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