Volunteering with Vanuatu Red Cross
The backbone of our society
A warm welcome to the VRCS volunteers' page! This is where we highlight the vital contribution of our 300+ registered volunteers, the backbone of the Vanuatu Red Cross Society.
Volunteers are among the first responders in any crisis or natural disaster, the people we rely on to do many crucial and everyday tasks.
They include packing, driving, distributing goods in time of need, helping with registration and, importantly, training other volunteers, for example in First Aid as well as Water, Health and Sanitation and Cash Voucher Assistance.
Now, with the help of a detailed database, the Youth and Volunteer Department can stay in touch with the 305 volunteers who registered after the December 2024 earthquake to ensure they can be activated at short notice.
If you would like to apply, or would like to know more about becoming a Vanuatu Red Cross volunteer, complete our application form to get started. We will then contact you once we have a training program to suit your skills and interests! Every volunteer is given the opportunity to rotate through different teams to build their capacity and knowledge.
Why be a volunteer?
Norman Kalotiti, Vice President for Youth & Volunteers at Vanuatu Red Cross Society, explains how volunteering offers a safe and supportive space for young people to develop their knowledge and skills.
Norman Kalotiti
Vice President for Youth & Volunteers
"Hallo! My name is Norman Kalotiti. I am 22 years old and I've been volunteering with Vanuatu Red Cross since 2021 and served as Vice President for Youth since May 2024.""Hallo! My name is Norman Kalotiti. I am 22 years old and I've been volunteering with Vanuatu Red Cross since 2021 and served as Vice President for Youth since May 2024."
As a volunteer, I've had the opportunity to be involved in a wide range of programs and projects with Vanuatu Red Cross. I really appreciate the fact that the welfare of volunteers and youth members is a priority when we are engaged in its various activities.
Some of my volunteering highlights so far include during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 when I was made a site manager at a Community Isolation Centre. I was also entrusted to lead teams of volunteers during our response efforts to Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin in 2023. Since the December 2024 earthquake I have been a team leader for many of the response activities in affected communities.
Being Vice President of Youth is a really good way for me to support and represent young people within the organisation. What has truly inspired me is the incredible capacity-building support Vanuatu Red Cross provides for young people. For example, I've been able to expand my knowledge and skills in areas such as administrative work, coordination and management.
VRCS is more than just an organisation – it's a platform for youth empowerment and growth. Whether you are a school leaver or still pursuing your studies, Vanuatu Red Cross offers a safe and supportive space to develop both personally and professionally.
It's a place where you can learn how to disseminate accurate information, build your capacity in disaster risk management, and gain the tools you need to help your community.
Living in a disaster-prone country like Vanuatu, I can really see the value in how Vanuatu Red Cross continually engages young people and volunteers in training and workshops. These opportunities ensure that we are equipped to effectively support communities in times of crisis.
Hear from some of our fantastic volunteers.
Denny Manvoi
Denny Manvoi started as a driver-volunteer in 1992 and is the VRCS' longest-serving volunteer. These days, he is a valued staff member of the Health and First Aid team.
In 2001 he trained as a first-aid instructor and travelled around many island communities teaching others, including people on remote islands lacking even basic medical supplies. Denny continues to pass on his knowledge to his own family as well as inducting others.
John Gislapno
John Gislapno was a volunteer during the December 2024 earthquake response. He was one of the first volunteers to be deployed to Malekula, where he helped coordinate the distribution of relief supplies.
John's experience shows how volunteers can be quickly mobilised to respond to emergencies. The support he received from other Red Cross societies who lent their support to VRCS shows the power of international humanitarian cooperation.
Winnie Willie
Winnie Willie is a volunteer who joined VRCS after the December 2024 earthquake. She was motivated to help her community and has been actively involved in relief distribution activities.
Her story demonstrates the immediate response that many people had in since the December earthquake, showing how volunteers can make an immediate impact.
Volunteer Application Form
Please complete all required fields below and then select submit (or download here and print, complete and return to VRCS HQ or respective branch office or email to volunteer@redcrossvanuatu.com).