President Lazarus Chakwera has today donated K2 million during the inauguration ceremony of 2024 Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) Flag Week.
Speaking during the event which marks the beginning of the Red Cross’s annual fundraising campaign, Chakwera commended MRCS for it’s tireless efforts in providing humanitarian services to vulnerable communities in Malawi.
“MRCS is an indispensable player with operations worth of our support. There is need to enhance response to humanitarian aid as implications of food crisis on public health are enormous and demand collaborative efforts to ensure that every Malawian household is reached with the necessary humanitarian support,” said Chakwera.
The event was attended by dignitaries, including the Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, and the President of the Malawi Red Cross Society Society, Innocent Majiya.
In her remarks, Kandodo Chiponda appealed to the general public to support the initiative.
On his part, MRCS President Innocent Majiya thanked Chakwera for presiding over the function as well as leading the nation in donating towards the initiative.
According to Majiya, this year’s 2024 Malawi Red Cross Society Flag Week targets K160 million.
He, therefore, appealed to well-wishers and the corporate world to support them with donations towards the cause.
“With so many global challenges competing for attention and resources, the Red Cross movement is committed to addressing the forgotten crises around the world.
“Beyond borders and amidst our diverse backgrounds, the unity of our movement lies in shared commitment to humanitarian action,” he said.
As part of activities to raise funds during the week, MRCS has organized a Cycling event from Lilongwe to Blantyre dubbed “Cycling for Humanity” which aims to raise K100 million for disaster response.
The Cycling activity will see two cyclists, Dziwani Mwachumu and Kenneth Chikazunga cycle from Lilongwe to Blantyre from Monday 20th May to Tuesday 21st May 2024 on voluntary basis.
It is expected that Vice President Dr Saulos Chilima will send off the cyclists from Lilongwe.
MRCS Flag Week, which is held to raise funds for various activities, follows commemoration of the Red Crescent Day which falls on May 8 every year.
The Malawi Red Cross Society, established in 1966, is a humanitarian organization that provides emergency response, health, and community development services to vulnerable communities in Malawi.
With a network of volunteers and staff across the country, the Red Cross plays a vital role in supporting the government’s efforts to improve the lives of Malawians.
The Flag Week campaign is an annual event that aims at raising funds and awareness for the Red Cross’s humanitarian work.
The campaign is supported by individuals, organizations, and corporations, who donate funds and resources to support the Red Cross’s programs and services.
Additional reporting by Patricia Kapulula – MANA
