Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS)
Udupi, Dec 14: A public blood donation was held at Shirva Don Bosco English Medium School (CBSE) on Sunday December 13 under the joint auspices of Catholic Sabha, Shirva unit, St Mary's College, Don Bosco English Medium School, Arogya Matha church, Shirva and Kasturba hospital blood center, Manipal.
The camp began with a prayer and inauguration by lighting the lamp.
Mertel Lewis, principal of Don Bosco School welcomed Dr Shami Shastri, Fr Denis D'sa, parish priest of Arogya Matha church, Gerald Rodrigues, president of Catholic Sabha, Shirva unit, Herald Ivan Moniz, principal, St Mary's College, Leena Machado, secretary, financial committee, Aroya Matha church, donors who were present to donate the blood and staff of Kasturba hospital blood center.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Shami Shastri said, "It is possible to save lives of three patients from the blood donated by one donor. Blood donation is not at all dangerous. When healthy people donate blood, they do not get weakness in body. All healthy people in the age group of 18 to 60 can donate blood. The blood donor will be checked completely and the blood will be collected only if found safe."
In his message, Fr Denis D'sa said, "Blood donation is one of the greatest donations. We, commoners, can participate in saving the lives of people, by the healthy body that is given by God, just like doctors."
In the camp, 90 unit of blood was collected from 110 donors. Gerald Rodrigues rendered the vote of thanks and offered special thanks to Melwin Aranha and Lancy Kodda, who had strived hard to organize the camp.
The stage programme was compered by Gretta Noronha, teacher of Don Bosco School.