Media Release
Doha, Jun 30: Mangalore Cricket Club (MCC), a socio-cultural organization to reach out to its community, organized a blood donation campaign at the Hamad Medical Corporation Bayt al Dhiyafah on June 24.
The blood donation campaign promotes a culture of voluntary blood donation by educating people on the importance of blood donation and how it can make a positive impact on the lives of many patients. This campaign received an enthusiastic response from its members and community participants who came together to join this noble cause as a holistic service to the community and Qatar. This is the 11th blood donation campaign organized by MCC and witnessed a good turnout of donors from 8 am till noon.
Shameen Lewis, sports secretary extended a warm welcome to the gathering. MCC president, Naveen D'Souza addressed the gathering and acknowledged the presence of all those who attended in big numbers on a Friday morning to support this campaign.
He thanked all community leaders for their presence and support and appreciated the active participation of all advisors, executive community and members. MCC took another initiative by sponsoring ICBF insurance scheme for 10 needy members by paying the premium for the 1st two years. MC then invited chief guest Vinod Nair, president of Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) and Subramanya Hebbagelu, vice president of Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) to address the gathering who appreciated the efforts of MCC on its 11th Blood Donation campaign and appreciated the initiative of sponsoring the ICBF insurance. Also Vinod encouraged more people to become members of ICBF and help the Indian community.
Prominent members from the community and other Karnataka Club presidents and leaders were in attendance at the campaign.
Our guest speaker was Dr Glen Fernandes, who works as a consultant in the department of Anesthesia and Peri-operative medicine at Hamad Medical Corporation, a busy operating unit that deals with minor surgical procedures to complex surgeries (Robotic Surgeries, Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Transplant units, Major Trauma). He is also a consultant pain physician, dealing with acute and chronic painful conditions and is the lead physician for the Acute Pain Team at Hamad General Hospital and Surgical Specialty Center. He is also a part of the training faculty for new anesthesia doctors as resident anesthetists or clinical fellows in pain management. Dr Glen gave a talk on the necessity and benefits of donating blood and educated on the mechanism of how donated blood is screened and divided into plasma, platelets, red blood cells and used in trauma centers in various critical cases. He gave a few of his own personal experiences on the frequent accidents that happen due to not wearing the seat belts. He appreciated the efforts put in by MCC in organizing this campaign.
The campaign witnessed the registration of more than 102 volunteers out of which 61 were successful in donating blood after their checkups. All donors were also recognized with a personal photo flyer with the slogan 'Every donor is a Hero' for their heroic deed and to appreciate their kind noble gesture. It was indeed a joy to witness many volunteers coming forward to donate blood and joining the noble cause.
MCC president and executive committee members set an example by donating blood and extended a good initiative by inviting many of their friends and colleagues to join this drive. All those present were provided with snacks and juice. Through their support, we were able to witness a successful campaign and created a history in the club of highest donors.
Hamad Medical Corporation then presented Mangalore Cricket Club with a certificate in appreciation of this drive. MCC received this recognition certificate continuously for the third year in a row which is presented when more than 100 volunteers register for the drive.
MC Shameen concluded thanking all donors, guests, Hamad Hospital management who supported this campaign which ultimately aims at supporting the blood bank reserve in all Qatar hospitals. MCC feels grateful and contended in being a support to the society through this noble initiative and through this kind gesture could save lives of many in need.