A ceremony was held in Hanoi on December 7 to honour 10 dedicated individuals and 10 organisations who have contributed to volunteer movements in Vietnam.

The National Volunteer Awards 2013, co-organised by the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCYU) and the United Nations Volunteers Programme (UNV), recognise community volunteer models, thus encouraging more young people to contribute to society.

The award winners are active in different areas and come from varied backgrounds, from the youngest winner Pham Minh Thu, 16, to the oldest Huynh Van Phe, 72.

Additionally, the organising board presented awards to one organisation and one individual selected by the community through the internet.

Speaking at the ceremony, HCYU Permanent Secretary Phan Van Mai said volunteer movements were organised in different forms with diversified contents across the country in 2013.

The activities have contributed to addressing social security issues, community development and fostering the volunteer spirit to the society, he added.

Patricia English, UNV Programme Officer in Vitenam, expressed her belief that the attained achievements will be a driving force for the volunteer movement to spread in the community.

In response to the International Volunteer Day, HCYU and UNV on December 5 also organised the National Volunteer Festival in Hanoi, with the participation of around 10,000 volunteers.

Participants at the event took part in campaigns to collect clothes for needy people in mountainous areas, raise funds for school building, collect blood donations and improve wildlife education.-VNA