‘Never underestimate power of a smile’
MIRI: A smile can do more than being a universal sign of happiness, comfort and satisfaction, members of Malaysian Red Crescent ( MRC) have been reminded.
In stating this, former deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan – also MRC Sarawak chairman – believes that a smile can bring upon a big positive impact to the people at large.
“We have to understand that every smile has a different meaning. For a MRC volunteer, it means a job well done. For an individual who is facing difficulties, a smile means someone is ready or willing to help them.
“So, I would like to call upon all MRC members, especially those in Miri, to harness the power of a smile, and also to celebrate your dedication towards enhancing humanistic values to the communities through MRC,” he
We have to understand that every smile has a different meaning. For a MRC volunteer, it means a job well done. For an individual who is facing difficulties, a smile means someone is ready or willing to help them.
said in launching the MRC Miri Annual Parade 2018 at Miri City Council field here yesterday.
This year, the programme gathered 23 contingents, including those from Miri Sunflower Centre and Kidney Dialysis Centre – the two units under MRC Miri.
The annual parade was held ahead of the official ‘ World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day’, which falls on May 8 every year. The date also marks the birthday of the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement founder, Henry Dunant, in 1828.
According to Dr Chan, the Red Cross and Red Crescent movement has been supporting millions of people around the world especially during times of conflicts, natural disasters and crises.
“Drawing more than 70 years of humanitarian action, the MRC is committed to providing relevant and timely humanitarian services to the vulnerable communities in our country. Our approach is based on the seven fundamental principles – humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality,” he said.
It is learnt that this year’s theme for the ‘World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day’ is ‘Everywhere For Everyone’.
“With the aim of broadening public understanding of MRC and to highlight the diversity of our work, we – the MRC members – are tasked with connecting with the community with a simple gesture — smiling,” he said.
“We should be focusing on community-led action and impact. We should be sharing the positive stories and thus, I hope this kind of action would make everybody smile.
“For this, I would like to congratulate all our members for a job well done. This surely calls for the action to smile,” added Dr Chan.
Meanwhile, SMK Chung Hua Miri emerged the overall winner of the ‘Foot Drill and Uniform’ category of parade. The Chinesemedium secondary school also won the Youth category.
Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin who is also MRC Miri deputy chairman, Miri Mayor Adam Yii, MRC Miri honorary secretary Tan Lay Yen, MRC Miri World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day celebration chairman Selvaraj Grapragasem, and MRC Miri annual parade chairman Richard Liew Fook Loi were also present at the event.
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan, MRC Sarawak chairman