Lagos Red Cross Rallies 500 Pints Of Blood

World Red Cross Day (WRCD) (Photo Credit: NAN)

The President, Nigeria Red Cross Society (NRCS), Chief Bolaji Anani, has appealed to residents of Lagos State to donate blood to help save lives.

while speaking at the World Red Cross Day (WRCD) 2018 and Arts Competition in Lagos, Anani said that the blood donation drive would hold on May 19, at the Lagos branch office of the society.

“I want to encourage my friends here and also members of the public, who are healthy and not older than 60 years to join in the exercise.

“A ready blood donor pool and a sustainable supply of safe blood for transfusion needs, during peacetime and emergencies are the cornerstones of a healthy and resilient community,” he said.

According to NAN, the World Red Cross Day (WRCD) event  which was organised by the Lagos Branch of NRCS, was to commemorated annually to mark the founding of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement on the 8th of May.

The theme for this year’s event is ‘Everywhere for everyone’, while the sub-theme is: ‘Smile’.

Mr Olakunle Lasisi, the secretary of the Lagos Branch disclosed that the society aimed at getting 500 pints of blood from the voluntary donors. He tasked both young people and non-members to donate blood.

“We will be partnering with the Ministry of Health and Blood Transmission Service for the exercise.

“Last year, we were able to raise 323 pints of blood from various blood donations we did.

“This year we are hoping for 500,” he said.

It is also a day to pay tribute to Jean Dunant, the founder of the society, and to the volunteers who provided assistance and humanitarian services to the vulnerable.

Prizes were also given to the winners of the Arts Competition, which was one of the activities to mark the event.