Tamil Association hosts two blood donation camps

There are many ways to contribute and give one's due to the community – donating blood is one of them and essentially one of the most significant contributions to society. 

The Auckland Tamil Association in one of its many activities to bring the community together hosted two blood donation camps in July at the Epsom Donor Centre. The first camp was held on Thursday, July 5 and the second on Thursday, July 12.

"We wanted to host two camps on different days so that people can choose between the two days as per their convenience balancing their work and other priorities," Sonu Kumar, the spokesperson from Auckland Tamil Association told The Indian Weekender. 

The first day of the camp witnessed ten people turn up to donate blood as volunteers from ATA welcomed them to the donor centre and provided them with refreshments.

"We had our team to receive them and assist them in the process. Our team also helped making the donors feel comfortable. The centre provided refreshments like snacks, tea, coffee and juice for the donors.

"We had both men and women come to make their contributions," Mr Kumar added. 

Community organisations-driven blood donation camps are important as it projects the commitment of the community organisations towards making their contribution towards the society. Such initiatives bring the people together one particular day and instill in them a sense of pride and empathy towards the less fortunate.

"Blood donation camps are to inspire people to contribute to the social welfare and to alleviate the condition of humankind. It also installs a feeling of saving lives and serving the community. It makes one exhibit empathy, compassion and respect towards the life of ailing patients whose lives depend on this.  It creates a sense of responsibility and oneness towards the community," Mr Kumar said.

The Auckland Tamil Association takes several initiatives to engage the community and especially the children and the youth throughout the year.

"We host such events to show our commitment towards the betterment of the community, and we will continue to organise several other events to keep the Tamil language and culture alive in the hearts of the young Tamilians born in New Zealand," Vai Ravindran, President of Auckland Tamil Association said.