Tuesday 1 October – Digicel Fiji celebrated its fifth anniversary by organizing a blood drive at its head office in Suva today.
The drive was organized after learning the need for shortage at the blood bank where at least 40 to 50 pints per day of blood is needed. The need to store blood is even greater now as a lot of blood will be needed in the banks with a team of doctors from India to perform heart surgeries in two weeks.
National manager for the Health Ministry’s blood service, Joseva Bolaqace said this was a wonderful gesture from Digicel Fiji.
“We do salute Digicel for the idea in celebrating their birthday in a big way in organizing this blood drive and this will benefit the nation,” said Bolaqace.
Digicel Fiji’s head of marketing, Sheryl Singh was happy to see the response from the staff during the drive.
“This was a worthy cause and we believe in giving back to the community,” said Ms. Singh.
“On our 5th anniversary and we give a ‘gift of life’ I’m certain we can’t ask for anything more than that as one donation will save three lives,” added Singh.
According to the Fiji National Blood Services, someone needs blood every 2.5 seconds and less than 10% of the population donates blood, while more than 70% of the population is still in need of blood. The benefits of donating blood include the testing of donors’ hemoglobin levels before donation, testing of blood pressure, assessment of body weight and a full assessment of donors’ health. Donating blood also reduces the chance of heart diseases, enhances the production of new red blood cells and burns Calories.
PRESS RELEASE