by Fr Brian Moras sdb for BIS Mumbai

The gift of blood is the gift of life! 

Keeping this in mind, a blood donation drive was held on September 24, 2024 at Don Bosco Centre for Learning, Kurla.  It was open to the Engineering and College Students,  teaching, non-teaching, supporting staff, students, and alumni of  Don Bosco Institute of Technology (DBIT) and Don Bosco College (DBC).  The resource partners for the Camp were  KEM Hospital, Parel and  Samarpan Blood Bank, Ghatkopar. This event was organized by the NSS Units of DBIT and DBC. 

The objectives of the camp were four fold, namely: Promotion of blood donation awareness; encouraging community participation in a vital social cause; life-saving initiative as in contributing to local healthcare efforts and increasing the supply of blood available in hospitals and finally strengthening social responsibility. 

The camp was a huge success with many youngsters among others coming forward to donate their blood.  201 Units of precious blood were collected which will go a long way in supporting local healthcare efforts, particularly in emergencies and critical care situations. Of these 201 units, 149 units were contributed to KEM Hospital and 52 units to Samarpan Blood Bank. The camp helped many participants in becoming more aware of the importance of regular blood donation and its impact on healthcare. 

The drive saw strong participation across all demographics, including teaching and non-teaching staff, students, and alumni, fostering a spirit of community service.  It also strengthened partnerships with KEM Hospital and Samarpan Blood Bank paving the way for future joint initiatives. 

Reflecting on the outcome of the Camp after taking feedback from those who contributed their blood, there was a positive response to social responsibility as in the participants appreciated the opportunity to contribute to society and were highly receptive to the cause. Many expressed a desire to participate in future blood donation drives. The drive led to growth in Community Spirit, as the event fostered a sense of unity and shared responsibility within the DBIT and DBC community, with both students and staff eager to be part of the initiative.

It is rightly said: "Your blood donation is a gift straight from the heart. Every drop counts. Donate blood and be the reason for someone's heartbeat.”