The St John Rescue Corps (SJRC) has received specialised emergency equipment in an initiative financed through funds from the Voluntary Organisations Project Scheme administered by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS), the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector said in a statement on Monday.
The ministry said that a project has been launched which will continue to improve the capacity of SJRC volunteers to protect the safety of society. It continued that this is in addition to promoting a culture of prevention and knowledge in health and safety to the general public. The ministry added that the equipment consists of Rapid Assembly Emergency Tents and related equipment, as well as power generators and other specialised training equipment.
It said that this project has been carried out with an investment of around €20,000, and continued that the project includes the acquisition of specialised equipment which will result in more timely, efficient, and effective intervention in support of the Civil Protection Department and health authorities during emergencies. The ministry said that the SJRC will be more capable of safeguarding the public during major events as a result of having access to this equipment. It added that the equipment will also be used to provide better training to the volunteers, which will improve their competencies for personal, social, and professional development.
Minister Julia Farrugia said that the government will continue supporting voluntary organisations as the community benefits from their projects. She commented that the government, through funding from the MCVS, is investing strongly in such associations, and added that the funding of various projects will continue being strengthened.
Farrugia said that such projects not only strengthen the capabilities of the beneficiary organisation, "but also show how collaboration between the government and the voluntary sector can make a real difference in people's lives". She remarked that this investment is a clear demonstration of the government's commitment to supporting organisations that work for the common good.
Christopher Borg Cardona, Deputy Commissioner of the SJRC, said that this initiative represents a crucial step in improving the capacity of the organisation's volunteers to more effectively serve the community. He added that with the new equipment, the SJRC can better support emergency response efforts and educate the public about life-saving measures.
The CEO of MCVS, Mauro Pace Parascandalo, said that it is a pleasure to see an organisation like SJRC continue building the tools it needs to train volunteers and be able to provide assistance in case of emergencies.