A group of participants from the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC) donated blood to the Seychelles Hospital yesterday and encouraged more people to follow suit.
The chief executive of SNYC, Penny Belmont, said SNYC is creating various platforms for the youth and the activity today is a youth group that will work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health to donate blood.
“We realised that many times the blood bank has a shortage to provide for other youths in need,” she said.
The director for engagement and support, Simon Barra, gathered a targeted group of 50 youths to donate blood. The activity had in total 42 participants, with three quarters being first time donors and more women than men. The theme for the blood drive was ‘Imagine the possibilities’ a theme targeted towards the youth for commitment, enforcement and togetherness.
The activity was inspired by the number of accidents the country has been experiencing especially involving young people.
Mr Barra said these youths are affected in such a way that it inspired them to launch a programme that would make a difference.
He stated that the youths are encouraged to participate in such a noble gesture to show that they are engaged in important activities.
Participants are contacted through their respective communities, volunteers and who show interest in the activity.
Mr Barra said that this activity will be done annually, one of their key roles for the group.
Aaron Pool, 25, a first time blood donor, said he is inspired to donate blood as it is a good cause that can help save a life.
He said that this could be family, a close friend or a stranger.
Sheina Benise, 33, a regular donor said she had stopped for a while due to a major surgery five years before. However when she received the call she immediately sprang to action.
She said she was inspired by an accident that occurred a while back which involved a very close friend who needed blood.
She said she wasn’t the same blood group but she realised that there are some blood types that are so rare that it is not available in the blood bank.
She encourages others to step up and help save a life.
Source: Seychelles Nation
