The President of the Fiji Red Cross, Mrs. Sala Toganivalu Lesuma,
The Members of the National Board,
Our esteemed volunteers and Youth representatives,
Ladies and Gentlemen and;
Members of the Media
Miau sa Bula Re and good morning! As Patron of the Fiji Red Cross and your Head of State, I am humbled and consider it an honour to welcome you all our Fiji Red Cross volunteers at the State House this morning to officially appreciate and recognise the important work that you do for our beloved nation in times of disaster and crisis.
Approximately 10 months ago, I had the honour of welcoming the Red Cross Pacific leaders at the Pacific Leaders Meeting and officially launched the 50th-anniversary celebrations at the Fiji Museum.
Since that moment, our nation has faced numerous floods, a cyclone, and an unyielding demand for blood. Throughout these trials, I was very proud to see the Fiji Red Cross Society, providing the much needed unwavering support.
As I mentioned during the launch of the 50th Celebrations, a vital part of the Red Cross is its volunteers, for without volunteers there is no Red Cross. I wish to acknowledge the many volunteers who remain true to the call to serve, personifying the Red Cross humanitarianism and the spirit of always being there, when the need arises.
On 2nd November 1973 the Fiji Red Cross Society was admitted as the 118th member of the International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies. Over these 50 years, and particularly in the past 12 months, you have exemplified the true essence of selfless service. Your tireless response to the challenges faced by our communities, without hesitation or expectation of reward, is a testament of your commitment and passion for the work you carry out.
Your service extends far beyond emergency response. You have played a pivotal role in promoting health education, providing community support, and empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
I am proud to share with you all that I had the privilege in June of this year to visit the Fiji Red Cross Society Headquarters in Geneva while I was attending the 111th session of the International Labour Organisation Conference. I was invited to visit the state of the art Museum and to understand the important work done by volunteers.
The museum is rich in history and showcased letters, artifacts and hand drawn pictures by those that were affected during the wars, during disasters and crisis. For those of us visiting it for the first time it gave us a deep sense of meaning to the very work that you do.
You become the important link to families, to their communities and for some simply a way to express their thoughts which seemed very abstract but reflected a glimpse of hope from the difficult and chaotic situations that they were in.
On that note, in recognition of your extraordinary service, I am honoured to host all of you and to present the Volunteer of the Year award. Today, we also award the winning branches for the “Save the Fish, Clean the Drain campaign”, a first initiative of its kind for our local societies that is making headline news with the aim for a community-led clean up.
While I am aware that the passing of the Fiji Red Cross Society Law with consultations currently underway would be the ultimate gift, I am comforted knowing that efforts are already in motion. This legislation will provide a much-needed framework for the auxiliary role Fiji Red Cross provides to the Coalition Government, and in further enhancing disaster preparedness and response, and strengthening the Red Cross’s ability to serve our communities.
As we also gather today and mark the International Volunteer Day, let us reflect on the principle of voluntary service. I reiterate, your willingness to give of your time, energy, resources, and expertise is a testament to the compassion and generosity that define our Fijian spirit.
Voluntary service is not merely a task or an obligation; it is a calling, a God-given purpose, a way of life that reflects our core values as citizens and Pacific Islanders. It embodies our collective responsibility to care for one another, extend a helping hand to those in need, and build a more just and equitable society.
While today’s award may seem to recognize one person, it is truly for all of you. I urge each of you to remain steadfast in your commitment to the cause. Let us continue to serve with integrity, fairness, and unwavering dedication to the fundamental principles that guide our work.
To every one of you, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and unwavering support. You are an inspiration to us all, and your contributions are invaluable to our nation.
Happy International Volunteer Day and 50th Anniversary.
To conclude I take this time on behalf of my family, the staff at the Office of the President and all citizens to wish each one of you a blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
May God bless us all and continue to bless our beloved Nation!
Vinaka vakalevu.