Thousands of Almaty residents assisted by volunteer groups amidst the pandemic
Volunteers in Almaty Step Up During COVID-19 Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the city of Almaty in Kazakhstan saw an impressive display of community spirit as thousands of volunteers worked tirelessly to support vulnerable populations and assist healthcare facilities.
The city established an emergency volunteer headquarters at the Youth Loft Center, where around 100 regular volunteers were trained in safety and hygiene measures in response to the spread of the coronavirus. This headquarters was instrumental in providing assistance to vulnerable population categories.
Over 26,000 needy city residents received assistance in the form of food packages, distribution of medical masks, and delivery of medications. Volunteers also played a crucial role in unloading 5,000 boxes of humanitarian aid.
In addition to these efforts, volunteers assisted city medical professionals in accommodating arriving citizens from other countries in hospitals. They also conducted public monitoring in 100 pharmacies and 166 facilities to identify unjustified price increases for essential medications.
Volunteers were also active in informational and explanatory work, conducting it for 6,250 residents without direct contact, through a hotline. Over 100 calls are received daily, providing essential information and raising public awareness about health measures.
Bagdat Anarbayeva, a notable figure in the city, answered questions from Almaty residents, offering guidance and support during these challenging times.
The volunteer efforts in Almaty were well-organized, with a plan for 78 events, including 12 key events with an outreach of over 700,000 people, approved for the Year of the Volunteer in Almaty.
A functioning website for volunteers in the city, almaty-volunteers.kz, is available for those interested in getting involved.
While the exact numbers and details of the volunteer efforts in Almaty may vary, it is clear that the city's volunteers made a significant impact during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating the power of community spirit and selflessness.
Science played a significant role in supporting Almaty's volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic, as various health-and-wellness measures were implemented to ensure safety and hygiene among volunteers and those they served.
Moreover, volunteering in Almaty extended beyond direct assistance, with information sessions and public monitoring aimed at raising awareness about health measures and identifying any unjustified price increases for essential medications – a testament to the intersection of science, health-and-wellness, and community service in the city's response to the pandemic.
