Sonia Dogra, Keekli Reporter, 15th September, 2016, Shimla
A blood donation camp was organised by St Thomas School in association with the NGO Almighty Blessings on the Ridge. School Principal, Vidupriya Chakrabarty was present to spearhead the drive along with some of her staff members, NCC Cadets and the student council. The camp was graced by ADC D.K.Ratan. The school believes that making students aware of their social responsibility is a primary requisite of education and it is the endeavour of the school to help towards this social cause. At the same time such activities provide an insight to students and help them gain practical knowledge of how such an event is organised. The staff of the school readily came forward to contribute towards the cause.
One of the organisers, Sarabjeet Singh, elaborated on the idea of involving schools for such causes. He said that through children, parents can be involved and it gives great thrust to such a noble mission. The NGO has already conducted a three day camp with Loreto Convent recently. A new concept of “E-Care” is being started by the organisation whereby requirement of blood can be met through e-portals.
Dr Kanchan Singh from IGMC headed the team which had members from the Nursing College as well. Dr Singh elaborated that all donors are required to fill a consent form and it is only after a detailed medical history is taken that a donor can donate blood. Some preliminary check up is done and the donor must fall in the age group of 18-60 years. Normally an individual donates 300-350 ml blood.
From college students to advocates, people from all walks of life could be seen donating blood in the camp. Definitely, all were present there to do their bit for society. The blood collected will be given to the IGMC Blood Bank.
The students of the school also carried home some valuable lessons today. They are all ready to be a part of this social drive once they enter the legitimate age for blood donation. Indeed a strong message by the school and a step forward in promoting humanitarian causes.
A record breaking 114 units of blood was collected in one day !
