Prince Harry hails disaster relief volunteers

Britain’s Prince Harry praised disaster relief volunteers during a fundraising event last night (09.26.13).

The 29-year-old royal lent his support to a MapAction fundraiser at the Royal Society in London as he is a patron of the charity and commended the work of volunteers, who travel to disaster areas across the globe to provide assistance following natural catastrophes.

Harry witnessed a demonstration of the organisation’s relief efforts as volunteers responded to a mock earthquake.

He told potential donors: ”I was struck by their willingness to drop everything at a moment’s notice – despite the fact I’d do that in my job anytime – and step into the heart of the crisis no matter where it is in the world, leaving loved ones behind.

”And to do this knowing that very few people will have any idea what contribution they have made. They are extraordinary people and this is an extraordinary organisation.”

MapAction uses technology to ascertain not only where a disaster has occurred, but also which areas are in the greatest need of aid.

Harry added: ”MapAction’s ability to have experts on the ground within hours, collating this information in support of decision makers, has placed them at the very heart of international response efforts over the last 10 to 11 years.”