* Any views expressed in this article are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation.
“In humanitarian work, we risk harsh traveling conditions into hard reached communities. In 2011, I responded to the drought in Yunnan Province in South West China by building water cellars and distributing clean water to the affected communities. Our work helped this old lady sustain her livelihood, because she’s too old to get to work in the city. I'm happy to help others. That’s my motivation. It's really as simple as that.” – Kang Chen, Humanitarian & Emergency Affairs Officer, World Vision China
Thousands of World Vision staff selflessly risk their limbs and lives every day in service to others, braving insurmountable odds and overcoming challenges in humanitarian emergencies. These unsung heroes embody one of World Vision’s Core Values: We respond to need whenever we can. We shall never rest while children suffer in situations that can be changed.
On 19 August, World Vision will celebrate the lives of heroes in its midst in recognition of World Humanitarian Day, established in 2009. The day recognises all aid workers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and celebrates the passion of humanitarians worldwide. This day will also mark the 10th anniversary of the bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad that killed 22 people.
“People have many reasons to devote themselves to the good of the world’s most marginalised people, and I am grateful for every individual who chooses to make World Vision part of their commitment to the poor,” said Kevin Jenkins, president and chief executive officer – WVI.
According to World Vision’s 2011 review, World Vision was involved in 77 emergency responses over the course of that year, including nine emergencies that triggered a whole-of-Partnership response. World Vision committed US${esc.dollar}{esc.dollar}650 million for those responses, reaching 10.2 million people with food, water, shelter and other lifesaving relief.
Joining the United Nations and the humanitarian community, World Vision launched a ${esc.dollar}{esc.hash}WHD2013 social media campaign starting on the first week of August 2013 until the end of the month. Stories and blogs about the experiences of its aid workers will be shared to recognize their dedication and commitment, and inspire others.
Available resources:
- World Vision International ${esc.dollar}{esc.hash}WHD2013 special page: http://wvi.org/world-humanitarian-day
- Twitter: @WV_emergencies, @worldvision, @wvasia, @WVMEERO, @WorldVisionLAC
- Instagram: @worldvisionaus http://instagram.com/worldvisionaus
For more queries on World Vision's #WHD2013 campaign, please contact Cecil Laguardia at cecil_laguardia@wvi.org.
