The Vitebsk structure of the Belarusian Red Cross Society is a flagship in many areas for the entire organization

The Vitebsk regional branch of the Belarusian Red Cross Society is a flagship in many areas for the entire organization. This opinion was expressed to journalists by Romania Skomoroshko, a member of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly and Deputy Secretary General of the Belarusian Red Cross Society, before the expanded meeting of the presidium of the Vitebsk regional organization of the Belarusian Red Cross Society.

"The Belarusian Red Cross Society is the largest humanitarian organization in the country, which plays a supporting role to the state in solving many socially significant problems. In many areas, the Vitebsk regional branch is a flagship for the entire Belarusian Red Cross Society organization," emphasized Romania Skomoroshko.

Among the important areas that most clearly distinguish this regional branch, the Deputy Secretary General first noted close cooperation with authorities and state organizations. "This is important because when implementing many of our initiatives, representatives of state structures act as experts, voluntary assistants, and partners. Such cooperation always benefits vulnerable categories of citizens," stated Romania Skomoroshko.

The second important area, in her opinion, is related to the involvement of senior volunteers. In some regions, this category of volunteers accounts for up to 25%, while in the Vitebsk region, it is 34.5%. These are people with vast life experience, high potential, and activity. At the same time, young volunteers also play a significant role for the Belarusian Red Cross Society, often being initiators of many creative projects. Volunteers of the Vitebsk regional organization, working in 109 volunteer groups, are involved in the implementation of various programs, projects, and events aimed at assisting vulnerable people, maintaining health, preventing socially significant diseases, preparing for and responding to emergencies, educating the population, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and disseminating the fundamental principles of the Red Cross and humanitarian values. In total, in 2017, volunteers of the Vitebsk regional organization dedicated about 30.6 thousand hours to volunteer activities. Among other

of activities in which the Vitebsk organization managed to achieve high work efficiency, Romania Skomoroshko also named the expansion of the Service of Sisters of Mercy through the implementation of state social orders, development of partnerships with other national Red Cross societies. In particular, fruitful cooperation with colleagues from Russia, Latvia and other countries.

BELTA.