Latest news with #volunteergroup
CNA
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNA
Actor Zheng Geping awarded Public Service Medal after serving Woodlands community for 15 years
Veteran actor Zheng Geping is such an A+ citizen. The 61-year-old recently took to his Facebook to share that he'd been conferred the Public Service Medal 2025, also known as Pingat Bakti Masyarakat (PBM). Zheng received the award for his quiet contribution to the Woodlands community for the past 15 years. Although the actor doesn't live in Woodlands, he joined the community's volunteer group about 15 years ago under a friend's encouragement. Over the years, he has taken part in various activities big and small – from fundraising to distributing supplies and even performing at festive events. Many of Zheng's friends have congratulated him on his post, thanking him for helping students in the community, and contributing in many ways. "To receive it during SG60 makes it even more meaningful," said the actor, who admitted that he never imagined this day would come. "This recognition is not mine alone. It belongs to my brothers and sisters at Woodlands CCC, the amazing residents of Woodlands, and our tireless Advisor Mariam Jaafar," he continued. "Your trust, love, and support inspire me to keep serving with heart."
Yahoo
09-08-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Local volunteers to feed flood survivors in Texas
Aug. 9—A Priceville-based volunteer organization, North Alabama Boys, will travel to Texas on Sept. 7 to feed flooding victims and volunteers. Rand Hutchison, North Alabama Boys' leader, said the group wants to provide three meals a day through Sept. 14 while there. "Our first thought has always been the food, to cook for people and cook for them well," Hutchison said. "We've found it's our little niche to show up a little later than everybody else. There's obviously a big need when a disaster first happens. There are other groups that go in and they meet that need, which is fantastic, but as always, the support starts to kind of dwindle a bit as time goes on." The group will travel to central Texas, where catastrophic flooding killed at least 130 people and damaged the houses and property of countless others over the Fourth of July weekend. Although the volunteers have contacts in Kerr County, where some of the most severe flooding occurred, they're open to traveling elsewhere as they're needed. Similar to its efforts in North Carolina last year, the organization wants to provide "good Alabama barbecue and good Alabama cooking" to the people in need, Hutchison said. Meals will include breakfast burritos and ribeye sandwiches or hamburgers. A mix of old and new faces totaling 12 volunteers will travel to Texas. At this time, contacts in Texas tell the group they'll know other specific needs closer to September. "We're going to go with a goal of being very adaptable," Hutchison said. "If we get there and we see a need, we're going to meet the need." The nonprofit is still reaching out to local organizations and businesses to gather supplies. Burningtree Country Club will provide some of the food items, according to Hutchison. North Alabama Boys has a fundraising goal of $15,000 to cover the cost of the relief effort. Hutchison said the group has raised around $10,000 so far. With these funds, volunteers should be able to feed between 300 and 400 people each day. Anybody wanting to get involved or make a donation can either visit the organization's Facebook page, NA Boys, or its website, Another local volunteer group, Project Unify, has also helped in Texas since the flooding. "We are currently still in and out of the work in Texas," its website reads. "The flooding that devastated communities has left behind lots of work. It is our goal to represent the body of Christ in service, as well as in teaching. ... We request your prayers, involvement, and if possible your support as we continue forward with these efforts. To God be the glory!" The nonprofit's website, includes a PayPal QR code and donation link. — or 256-340-2437
NHK
23-06-2025
- Politics
- NHK
Disaster management workshop under Japan's initiative held in Taiwan
A large-scale international workshop on disaster preparedness held under Japan's initiative has opened in Taiwan, which is frequently struck by calamities such as earthquakes and typhoons. The three-day workshop of the Global Cooperation and Training Framework is being held in Taipei from Monday through Wednesday. The GCTF's five partners are Japan, Taiwan, the United States, Australia and Canada. Katayama Kazuyuki, chief representative of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association's Taipei office, spoke at the opening ceremony. He said that each time a disaster strikes, Japan and Taiwan have learned how to mobilize all sectors of society to work together in saving lives and assisting those in need. Organizers say more than 150 people from 34 countries and regions will take part in the event. They are scheduled to exchange opinions on advanced approaches to disaster preparedness and visit local organizations, including a volunteer group known for its swift action to set up shelters in disaster-hit areas. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te is focused on preparing for natural disasters. Japan intends to support his administration's efforts in cooperation with the US and other countries.
NHK
03-06-2025
- General
- NHK
More than 100 dead cats found in volunteer's house in Japan
More than 100 cats have been found dead in and around a house in the southwestern Japanese city of Kumamoto. A woman who lives in the house was working for a volunteer group to protect cats. The city's animal protection center says it received a report from a couple saying one of the cats they had asked the woman to care for was dead. Officials and a member of the animal welfare volunteer group entered the woman's house on Monday, accompanied by police. The group said many dead cats were found, with garbage scattered inside the house. Officials say the woman has accepted cats from people who are forced to give up caring for their pets. The woman explained to the volunteer group that she herself had no idea why such a thing had happened. A representative of the group apologized for it having been unaware of the situation and said it takes the tragedy very seriously.
