Feb 21, 2025 : The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) Central Council, diocese of Mangalore, organized 'Life for Love', a week-long voluntary blood donation drive under the Red Drop Mangalore initiative to mark the feast of St Gonsalo Garcia and Valentine's Day. The blood donation drive was held from February 7 to 14. This initiative promotes love through the gift of life.
The Red Drop Mangalore initiative, launched by the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) in 2016, has been instrumental in saving numerous lives through voluntary blood donations. Over the past nine years, this programme has significantly increased blood donation rates, providing critical support to those in need.
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To further strengthen this noble cause, the Red Drop Mangalore app, available on the Google Play Store, has played a crucial role in facilitating blood donations over the years. This app helps connect blood donors with those in need, making it easier to find and donate blood in emergencies. Through this platform, countless lives have been saved, and communities have come together to support each other in critical times.
This initiative was an opportunity for people to show love and care in a truly meaningful way. Everyone was encouraged, especially the youth, to come forward and be a part of this noble cause.
The Life for Love campaign emphasizes the importance of voluntary blood donation, as a single unit of blood can save multiple lives. With hospitals requiring a constant supply to treat accident victims, surgical patients, and those suffering from critical illnesses, this initiative hopes to create awareness and inspire a culture of regular blood donation in the community.
Anyone in good health, aged between 18 and 60, can donate blood. The process is safe, simple, and takes only a few minutes, but the impact it creates is immeasurable.
Donors were encouraged to register at their preferred hospital and ensure they meet the necessary eligibility criteria before donating. Every participant received a certificate of appreciation for their invaluable contribution.
The drive took place from February 7 to February 14, between 7 am and 5 pm at various designated hospitals across Mangaluru. The participating hospitals were:
* Father Muller Hospital, Kankanady
* AJ Hospital, Mangaluru
* Yenepoya Hospital, Deralakatte
* KMC Attavar, Mangaluru
* Lady Goschen Hospital, Mangaluru
