Red Cross focus on vulnerable, too

(From left): President Tony Tan Keng Yam, patron of the Singapore Red Cross, and Mr Tee Tua Ba, its chairman, at the Red Cross Home for the Disabled in Lengkok Bahru yesterday.
(From left): President Tony Tan Keng Yam, patron of the Singapore Red Cross, and Mr Tee Tua Ba, its chairman, at the Red Cross Home for the Disabled in Lengkok Bahru yesterday. ST PHOTO: LAU FOOK KONG

The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) is not focused solely on disaster relief overseas, contrary to popular belief. Its secretary-general Benjamin William told The Straits Times it is looking to expand the reach of its initiatives here.

It hopes to be able to recruit more volunteers and young blood donors, as well as get more Singaporeans to learn first aid.

"Our primary mission is actually to the vulnerable in Singapore," he said. "We have been pushing to have a first aider in every home."

SRC hopes to expand its scheme for community first-aid volunteers for the needy and elderly, now available only in Tampines, to areas such as Bedok and Marine Parade, and to have an ambulance available in each of these areas.

Mr William was speaking after the third Singapore Red Cross Awards ceremony, held yesterday at the Red Cross Home for the Disabled in Lengkok Bahru.

The awards, presented by SRC patron, President Tony Tan Keng Yam, honour those who have contributed much to the SRC's efforts.

Zhaki Abdullah

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 07, 2015, with the headline Red Cross focus on vulnerable, too. Subscribe