Media Release
Mumbai, Jul 7: A great initiative of organising a blood donation camp was taken by Bombay Catholic Sabha of St Jude’s parish, Jerimeri in collaboration with Dilip Lande (MLA) on June 27 at St Jude’s High School, corridor hall, Jerimeri.
The camp began at 10.30 am.
Flora D’Souza extended a warm welcome to all present and invited dignitaries on the dais.
The chief guest Dilip Lande, parish priest Fr Avin Franklin, Fr Leo, Fr Susai, Sr Anitha, deacon Sylvester Lobo, doctor, MHADA police inspector, Walter D’Souza and others.
The programme was inaugurated by lighting the lamp by the dignitaries, followed by a warm welcome with a floral bouquet, traditional shawl and fruits to the MLA by Fr Avin and the chief guest also honoured Fr Avin with a traditional shawl and a flower bouquet.
Dilip Lande began his speech by invoking and asserting the presence of the Lord amongst them. He affirmed the blessing of the clergy, the Catholic community and the locals at large are present with him and in all his efforts. He extended gratitude towards the sabha for inviting and making him a part of this event assuring whole-hearted support in making the local society a better place for all.
Lande conceded the horrific shortage of blood all over the globe that is revealing the despair for want. He applauded the timing of organising the camp when most needed, which will go a long way in saving precious lives, congratulating the organisers and expressed gratitude for making the church premises available while welcoming the gesture of the clergy.
Lande stated in witness of the clergy present on the dais to commit himself in service to humanity whenever needed, he urged those present to call on him in times of need, in times of trouble and for the cause of development. He petitioned to be considered as a brother, a neighbourhood friend, a social worker and a lad from the locality. He affirmed that every community must survive with its cultures and ritual and in order to do so the institution and structures must be preserved and further enriched for which he pledged all his support.
Lande concluded by expressing a desire to collaborate in an effort to serve the community, the locality and the society at large if given an opportunity. He implored the church to call upon him as a family and friend of the community. Lande applauded the organisers, the Bombay Catholic sabha for organising a noble event 'The blood donation drive'. Eventually, he concluded his expression of thoughts.
Fr Avin Franklin, the new parish priest of St Jude’s parish Jerimeri was simple and to the point as he gracefully welcomed Dilip Lande and other guests and dignitaries onto the dais, the members of The Bombay Catholic Sabha, the blood bank team and the donors. He pointed out that the start of the year especially his new assignment here in Jerimeri was on a very fruitful and positive footing, rooted in social service. He further emphasized that this initiative in partnership with Dilip Lande, the Sabha and the parish was a fabulous beginning as blood today in times of pandemic is most sought after and a rare commodity, and organising this camp in the much-needed time is a virtue.
Fr Avin responded to Lande's speech acknowledging his commitment to service and collaboration with the church in serving the local society, which already exists and will continue. He further complimented Lande for his good intentions and interest in service and promised support in every possible way and extended total cooperation.
Fr Avin finally congratulated the sabha for being proactive and wished them every bit of good fortune in their future endeavors.
Avin thanked the donors for their generosity in donating their precious blood in service to humanity and the blood bank team for their noble role in the process concluding by committing to strive in making St Judes Church of Jerimeri and the local society a vibrant place.
A group of two doctors and eight nurses who were from Pallavi Blood Bank Centre, Govandi, Mumbai were present for conducting the camp. The donors were asked to fill a medical form to give details about their health-related information.
Before the donation, checking weight, pressure and body temperature were measured.
The blood donor was given certificates and refreshments and also an umbrella as a gift.
Approximately 50 donors donated their blood for this noble cause.
Unit secretary/deanery councilor Kevin D’Souza extended the vote of thanks to Dilip Lande, all the priests, guests, committee members and all the donors for making this event a grand success and their support.
The camp ended by 3.00 pm.