FIT Blood Drive Attracts Diverse Group

17 April, 2009

A Managing Director, a Vodafone Fiji Bati, dozens of students and office workers were amongst donors who turned up to give blood at Friday’s (17th) drive held at the F.I.T.’s Samabula campus.

Asco Motors’ Ian Mclean, a regular donor received a text message from Vodafone about the drive, while Vodafone Fiji Bati hooker Jone Wesele decided to overcome his jitters to donate blood for the first time.  Fiji National Rugby League’s Tomi Finau said he decided to donate blood because it was the least he could do to give back to Fiji for its support of the code, while Peni Seru, a final year Bachelor of Applied Science student of FIT said it was the third time he’d donated. 

Dr. Ganesh Chand, Director of the FIT was amongst the first to donate after pledging the institute’s continued support of the initiative.  He said the FIT would happily host another drive next semester.

A large number of students gave blood for the first time today, many egged on by friends.

National Coordinator of the Ministry of Health’s Blood Services, Josefa Bolaqece said they were very happy with the turnout, especially from first time donors.

“What we need to do now is to ensure these young people become regular donors and we’re looking forward to Vodafone’s continued support by way of hopefully offering initiatives to those who donate say four times a year,” he said.

Vodafone has been supporting the Ministry of Health by sending registered donors, and in cases of emergency, reminders and requests via text messages since the signing of an MOU between the two in February 2008.

The drive which began at midday and ended at 5pm collected 66 units and was hailed a success by organizers, the Satya Sai Service Organisation. 

About Vodafone Fiji:
Vodafone Fiji Limited is part of Vodafone Group Plc, a leading mobile communications company with over 270 million proportionate customers worldwide. Vodafone Fiji which is a partnership with ATH Group and provides mobile telecommunications services to 650,000 Fiji customers. Vodafone is the number one mobile network in Fiji .The global company has equity interests in 26 countries and partner networks in a further 33 countries, the largest global footprint.
Visit: http://www.vodafone.com.fj