Pajottegem (24brussels) – Pajottegem is establishing a municipal volunteer corps comprising up to 80 members, in collaboration with the Red Cross and supported by Flemish subsidies, led by alderman Christa Dermez.
As reported by VRT News, Pajottegem, located in East Flanders, Belgium, aims to reinforce emergency responses through this initiative. Officials noted that natural disasters such as storms, floods, droughts, and health crises can quickly overextend police, fire, and medical services.
The new volunteer corps will function alongside professional emergency responders, providing essential support. Volunteers will aid in setting up shelters, distributing supplies, assisting with logistics, and caring for vulnerable residents during crises.
“Through a volunteer corps, we prepare them to spring into action immediately if a disaster strikes,”
says Christa Dermez (CD&V), Pajottegem’s alderman for Volunteer Policy.
What will Pajottegem’s 80-member volunteer corps with Red Cross mean for emergency response?
The concept has been under consideration for some time but gained momentum after Flemish Interior Minister Hilde Crevits (CD&V) urged municipalities to engage in the Red Cross’s crisis volunteer initiative.
“We first thought about creating our own system,”
the alderman stated.
“But when the minister made her call, we signed up right away.”
By collaborating with the Red Cross, Pajottegem guarantees its volunteers professional training and effective coordination.
“The Red Cross is organising the volunteer corps, and they’re also fully subsidised by the Flemish government,”
Dermez has emphasized.
So it’s a real opportunity for us.”
The municipal plans for a volunteer corps in partnership with the Red Cross are progressing. In the coming months, authorities will establish responsibilities and operational procedures to ensure readiness when assistance is needed.
Residents will be kept informed throughout the process, with updates published on the municipality’s website and social media platforms. Once finalized, training sessions for volunteers by the Red Cross will commence.
Dermez recalled the surge of community support during the coronavirus pandemic, noting that many residents expressed their willingness to assist again if required. Initially starting with 80 members, the corps could expand if the initiative proves successful.
“I suspect our corps will fill up quickly,”
the alderman remarked.
“I’m already receiving messages from residents who want to sign up. Anyone who wants to volunteer can, of course, always do so outside the corps.”
Simultaneously, Leuven established a volunteer network named “Leuven Helps” on March 15, 2020, at the onset of the pandemic. The city developed an online platform allowing residents to register for assistance or offer help, which included tasks such as grocery shopping, meal delivery, tutoring, and providing companionship.
A dedicated call centre supported the initiative, matching volunteers with individuals in need, while insurance coverage was provided for participants. The project rapidly expanded, with over 2,500 volunteers signing up and nearly 1,000 requests for assistance being fulfilled.
