Dubai student initiates a blood donation drive to encourage people to contribute to society and help others.
Sixty six donors participated in the drive held in Dubai
Donating blood is a small, but extremely valuable gift anyone can give. In today’s economic situation, financial donations are becoming more and more difficult for many people. A blood drive is a way to contribute to society from your heart rather than your wallet.
On February 10, 2017, I organised my first ever Blood Donation Drive, hoping that I would in some way help save lives. This month I organised the third successful blood drive with over 150 donors having taken part so far.
My third Blood Donation Drive was held on Friday, March 23 in Dubai from 11am to 4pm. The atmosphere was vibrant and so many people were keen to help and offer their support, which made me feel honoured.
We had 66 donors and many more supporters, again allowing us to tick the box for another successful drive.
Luigi Miguel Cueva, one of the donors, said: “I was on my way to church and saw the bus, and thought what a wonderful opportunity to help without losing anything.”
Two other donors, Ahmad and Badra Labidi, both said that the blood drive is a “very good initiative” and a “very good community outreach programme, we’re more than happy to participate and you can count on us for the next one”.
As a token of appreciation, every donor left with a memento — a small candle in a glass jar with a handwritten note. Everyone also got to taste a variety of delicious homemade sandwiches which I helped make.
The people at the venue were also very generous to allow me to use the area to organise this drive, as was the Dubai Blood Donation Centre for sending a specially equipped mobile unit in which the blood collection took place, and a medical team.
Over the course of the year, I have realised that it does not take much to make the world a better place. Seeing numerous people arrive to either donate or for moral support was absolutely heartwarming and left me with a great feeling of honour to know that so many are benefiting from this small act of kindness.
Saving lives
Compassion and kindness are two values that have been instilled in me. I know from those surrounding me that after giving blood the feeling is indescribable; knowing that you have saved three lives in just 15 minutes must be overwhelming. I know that as the organiser of this campaign I have helped save many lives, and the way I feel after is, ironically, like a gift being given to me.
I can only hope that the next blood drive will be as wonderful as this one, and thank everyone who offered support on this day.
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