On Saturday September 14th the San Pedro Cancer Society (SPCS) sponsored a blood drive which was held in collaboration with the Belize Blood Bank. The drive took place at the Island Galleria from 8AM to 3PM. No appointments were needed and all were welcomed to come out and support the cause.
SPCS members encouraged passersby to give a little back to the community and donate a pint of blood. Several people came out to offer their support to SPCT and donate blood. At the end of the day SPCS was able to donate over 11 units of blood to the Belize Blood Bank. The purpose of the blood drive is to keep blood in reserve for emergencies, “It isn’t for our cancer patients, it is for any San Pedro residents who has suffered an accident and needs blood,” said Miguel Perez. Blood that was collected will be screened and made available for San Pedro patients through credits in the blood bank. If any emergency arises on the island where blood is needed the blood will be released to the patient.
Apart from the blood drive, SPCS also had yummy cupcakes, pastries and hot tamales for sale to raise much needed funds for the cancer patients of San Pedro. SPCS made a total profit of $1,139. SPCS helps any person in need of cancer treatment by providing financial aid. The SPCS has helped several persons since its inception and contributed in saving countless cancer victims.
The Belize Blood Bank would also like to remind future blood donors on the requirements for donating. A person must be 18 years of ages, healthy and weight more than 110 pounds to donate blood. People who have suffered hepatitis or certain viral diseases cannot donate blood. Not being able to donate blood if you have a tattoo is only a myth; people who have not gotten a tattoo or piecing within a year are eligible to donate blood. Donating blood is a charitable action that everyone should take part in. If you are eligible, be sure to donate blood at the next blood drive.
SPTC would like to thank Belize Youth Movement (BYM) for helping with the dollar drive , all the people who donated blood and bought food from the fundraiser and of course Tropic Air for helping with the transportation to and from Belize for the blood bank personnel. They also thank Penny and Mrs. Cristina for lending the office space to do the blood drive and Judith Arceo for lending her house space for the food sale.
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