Petrol, saree given as gifts to blood donors in Surat

Although India has a gargantuan population, people still shy away from donating blood. To create awareness amongst people about blood donation, a group in Surat kept attractive gifts including a litre of petrol and sarees. The camp was successful too, with the group collecting 150 units of blood in just four hours.

A blood donation camp was organized by Atmiya Mitra Mandal at Vinod Chowk in Udhna on Sunday. While it looked like any such camp, what made it different was of gifts bestowed upon donors. Members of the mandal presented gifts to each and every donor, apart from praising them for their humanitarian work. Donors were given gifts that would befit their gender.

Male blood donors were given one litre of petrol, a glass bowl and a t-shirt, while female donors were given a saree and a glass bowl. Donors were also called onto a stage and asked to share their views about blood donation. The camp's message was clear - to eradicate the myth that blood donation affects health.

"People generally don't come forth to donate blood. They only understand its importance when they really need it. It is the duty of every citizen to donate blood, if he or she is medically fit for it. The entire activity was done to encourage people for blood donation," Sanjay Sarode, president of Atimya Mitra Mandal, said.

According to the mandal, gifts were not kept to lure people, but to honour them for their contribution towards society.

"Donors are mostly issued certificates, but seldom does anybody think of generating a positive attitude towards blood donation. Nobody is hungry for a litre of fuel or a glass bowl. It is just a gesture given for their contribution towards society," Kamlesh Patil, secretary of the mandal, said.

Patil added that petrol was selected as it is a basic necessity for anyone nowadays. According to him, petrol represents price rise and the corruption involved in the hikes.

This was the second time that such a camp was organised by the mandal. The unique concept of honouring the donors was welcomed by many.

"I was never asked to speak for blood donation, even though I have donated blood several times in my life. Giving gifts to donors is also a good step, as it serves as a memory of doing some good work," Sakha Patil, a blood donor said.