Pajottegem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Pajottegem is launching a municipal volunteer corps of up to 80 members, supported by the Red Cross and Flemish subsidies, with alderman Christa Dermez leading the initiative.
As VRT News reported, Pajottegem, in the province of East Flanders, Belgium, is setting up a municipal volunteer corps to give extra support during emergencies. Officials mentioned that storms, floods, droughts or health crises can quickly overwhelm police, fire and medical teams.
The new corps will not replace professionals but will stand beside them as organised helpers. Volunteers can set up shelters, hand out supplies, help with logistics or look after vulnerable residents when problems arise.
“Through a volunteer corps, we prepare them to spring into action immediately if a disaster strikes,”
Says Christa Dermez (CD8V), the alderman for Volunteer Policy.
What will Pajottegem’s 80-member volunteer corps with Red Cross mean for emergency response?
The idea had been considered for some time, but it moved forward after Flemish Interior Minister Hilde Crevits (CD&V) called on municipalities to join the Red Cross project for crisis volunteers.
“We first thought about creating our own system,”
Said the alderman.
“But when the minister made her call, we signed up right away.”
By joining the Red Cross, Pajottegem ensures its volunteers will get professional training and clear coordination.
“The Red Cross is organising the volunteer corps, and they’re also fully subsidised by the Flemish government,”
Says Dermez.
So it’s a real opportunity for us.”
The municipality of Pajottegem is continuing with plans for a volunteer corps with the firm Red Cross. In the months ahead, both will determine how this will work and who will take on each responsibility. The intended goal is to have all tasks clear and organised when help is required.
The alderman has stressed that residents will be kept informed at each step, with updates posted on the town’s website and social media pages. Once the arrangements are set, the Red Cross will begin training the volunteers.
Alderman Dermez recalls that during the coronavirus pandemic, many residents quickly offered their help and later told the municipality they would do so again without hesitation. The new corps will start with 80 members. If the program proves successful, the group could expand later.
“I suspect our corps will fill up quickly,”
The alderman added.
“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.”
Leuven also set up a volunteer network called “Leuven Helps” on 15 March 2020 at the start of the coronavirus crisis. The city built an online platform where residents could register to offer or request help. Tasks ranged from grocery shopping and meal delivery to tutoring and simple companionship.
A call centre supported the system, and staff members made sure volunteers were matched with people in need. Insurance was also provided for those taking part. The project quickly grew, with more than 2,500 volunteers signing up and nearly 1,000 requests for help being answered.
