On the eve of the International Volunteer Day (IVD), the Dubai Community Development Authority (CDA) has issued a passionate appeal to individuals and companies to establish volunteerism as a common societal practice and a key contributor to national development. 

Themed: Global Applause – give volunteers a hand, the IVD, mandated by the UN General Assembly, is held each year on 5 December. It is viewed as a unique chance for volunteers and organisations to celebrate their efforts, to share their values, and to promote their work among their communities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), United Nations agencies, government authorities and the private sector. 

Hana Al Harethi, Director of Social Cohesion, CDA, said volunteer opportunities announced through the Dubai Volunteer App during the current year had saved AED 4.7 million with total volunteering hours reaching 60,081. 

"Dubai Volunteer," the smart app is providing an important tool that encourages different social sectors in Dubai to be part of the social services development. Individuals from all ages and nationalities can easily volunteer their time and experience to help sustaining the social and community evolution, 'she explained. 

The App allows registering new volunteers, learning about volunteering opportunities provided by government departments and private businesses which are part of this comprehensive platform as well. 

So far, she revealed, 105 institutions had registered with the app - 57 government entities, 57 private companies, eight educational institutions, two volunteer groups and a social club. 

'These figures showed the increasing awareness about the importance of volunteer work in optimum management of expenditures, building capacities of volunteers and acquisition of skills,' she noted. 

By the end of third quarter of 2016, she added, the CDA has attracted more than 5000 volunteers of different ages, nationalities and specialisations.

Source: WAM