The need for blood at the country’s blood banks is always a matter of concern to relevant authorities.
One such group is the Port Denarau Blood Drive Committee.
The committee has organised their third blood drive at Port Denarau today.
The drive will be from 10am until 7pm.
Committee members Aysha Koya, Inez Fong Toy and Melissa Natawake are grateful to the generosity of those who donate blood to those in need.
“You never know when you’re going to be on the other side, the one who is in need of help from others.
“We want people to understand that donating blood really saves lives,” Miss Koya said. The trio believes that there is a great need for blood donors, especially those with rare blood types such as O Negative.
“Donating is easy, and for every person that donates, at least more than one patient will benefit,” said Mrs Fong Toy.
The members of the Port Denarau Blood Drive Committee said that many people aren’t aware that less than five per cent of the population donates blood, yet 80 per cent will need it at some time in their lives, or that every 2.5 seconds someone needs blood.
“I’m on the giving end today, but I recognise that I could just as easily be a recipient some day, I donate because I feel it’s the right thing to do,” Miss Natawake said.
They expressed gratitude to everyone that has helped them organise this third blood drive, especially supporters in the retail centre and marina.
They thanked Ritesh Patel of Hard Rock Café for donating food as well as supplying two members of his staff to help during the drive.
The support they were aided with for the event has awed the committee members.
The committee said business houses in the Nadi area have always been supportive of their cause.
Fiji Sun – JESSAN DOTON