Earlier this year – after the first ELKO donor day – the parting words of SBDC (State Blood Donor Centre) staff were “See you some day in July!”
Owing to the kind response, involvement and initiative of ELKO employees this meeting really happened on 25 July. For the second time already, exactly like half a year earlier, the donor bus drove into the ELKO yard. Friendly SBDC staff and an elated atmosphere (since we would accomplish something useful and good!), and we could consider our efforts justified. However, greater pride at the event was caused by the fact that altogether we were 51 (!!!) colleagues who subscribed to this bold (yet, in fact, quite ordinary and absolutely painless) step. 51 colleagues – it is almost one in three of us who selflessly agreed to donate blood that is urgently needed by someone.
Also on this occasion the spearhead of the event Oskars Mazulis was heading the donors’ list. It would later become known that, unfortunately, the results of the initial health testing procedure denied the possibility of donating blood to Oscar and 19 other colleagues. Yet, regardless, the willingness and good will of all the colleagues inspired others and contributed to a nice and friendly atmosphere.
In the donor list, Oscar was followed by Kristine Saulriete, our marketing director, who donates blood regularly and whose positive experience inspired other colleagues. The owner of ELKO, Andris Putans, also participated in the ELKO Donor Day – he donated blood for the first time and, as we have learned from reliable sources, feels satisfied and has promised to donate blood on a regular basis.
Other participants of the event did not hide their joy either: their faces radiated smiles, satisfaction and pride at the accomplishment all day long. After five hours of continuous work the SBDC nurses felt tired, but were happy to see new people joining the list of donors, since blood is still badly needed in Latvia.
Thanks to all of those brave people and their supporters. See you in half a year, in winter this time!!! IT IS TIME YOU JOINED THE EVENT TOO!