Report: Roydon Roche
Pics: S Naveen D’Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Jun 10: A programme giving information about and creating awareness on blood donation was held on Sunday June 7 at the Holy Family English Medium High School Hall, Sacred Heart Church, Suratkal. The programme was organized by St Christopher Association, which is an organization of vehicle owners and drivers from the parishes of Suratkal, Mukka, Katipalla and Pezar.
Fr Antony Lobo, director of the Association and the parish priest of Suratkal, presided over the programme. In his presidential address, Fr Lobo stressed that wish in itself is nothing, but decision is everything. “When we are in distress and our loved ones are in urgent need of blood, we run from pillar to post to get the most needed blood. In the same way, when others are in dire need of blood, we should go forward and donate blood. We should not only receive blood but also be ready to give blood to others when the need arises,” he advised.
Antony D’Souza released the list of blood donors of St Christopher Association on the occasion.
Antony D’Souza of KMC Hospital spoke on the need and uses of blood donation. He called upon the people to come forward to donate blood as and when the need arises. There was no harm in donating blood. Anyone in the age group 18 to 60 years can donate blood, he informed.
Celine D’Souza, president of the Association, welcomed the gathering. George Ligoury D’Souza, secretary, compered the programme. Russel Roche, joint secretary, proposed vote of thanks. Naveen D’Souza, treasurer and Vida Pereira, organizing secretary, extended help in conducting the programme.
Earlier, at the special annual general body meeting of the Association held at the same venue, scholarships were distributed to the children of the members of the Association. Peter Paul D’Souza, vice-president, distributed scholarships on behalf of the Association.
The new members of the Association took oath.