By Jimmy Chazama:
The Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) says it targets to raise K200 million during this year’s Flag Week, which begins today, May 8, on Red Cross Day, to strengthen disaster response and community resilience programmes.
The seven day fundraising drive will be inaugurated at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe, with President Peter Mutharika, who is patron of the society, expected to preside over the launch.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lilongwe Thursday, MRCS Director of Programmes and Development Leonard Maganga said the funds would be mobilised through traditional branch contributions and new digital platforms.
“We expect to collect around K200 million, which will be channelled towards disaster risk management activities,” Maganga said.
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He said the society had partnered with PayChangu to introduce a mobile payment gateway, enabling supporters to contribute via QR codes, Airtel Money, Mpamba or USSD codes.
He said the innovation was introduced after last year’s target of K180 million was missed because many people lacked cash and digital options.
He said the funds were unrestricted community contributions, allowing the society to respond flexibly to emergencies without donor conditions.
“The money will support immediate disaster response, provide shelter through tents, mats, blankets and clothing, supply cooking utensils and plastic buckets and ensure food and non perishable items reach vulnerable communities. It will also strengthen health services and build long term resilience,” he said.
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Maganga described MRCS volunteers as the heart of the humanitarian mission and assured the public that donations would be handled transparently.
“Volunteers will carry secure identification cards while mobile money platforms will provide built in security features. Monitoring mechanisms across districts will also help detect fraud and ensure contributions reach the intended purpose,” Maganga said.
He said the society was grateful to the government, development partners, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross, partner national societies, the private sector and the public for their continued support.
This year’s commemoration is guided by the theme ‘United in Humanity’, which calls on Malawians to embrace compassion, solidarity and service to those in need.
Flag Week and Red Cross Day are annual milestones that focus on humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.
Through the campaign, individuals, organisations and partners are invited to contribute generously towards strengthening humanitarian response, disaster preparedness, health services and community resilience initiatives.
