There is no joy greater than that of saving a soul. The most valuable gift a man can give to another human being is the gift of life that can be given by donating blood.
Qatar has seen many blood donation campaigns organised by different expatriate communities. A recent blood donation activity organised by the Pakistani community showed their spirit of blood donation and love for humanity.
Al Khayarin Group in co-ordination with Pakistan Welfare Forum (PWF), Pakistan Business Forum Doha (PBFD), Pakistan Engineers Forum (PEF) and Pakistan Professional Forum Qatar (PPFQ) organised the annual blood donation campaign titled ‘Give Blood – Give Life’ at KG Group head office.
Nearly 250 volunteers – both senior staff members and workers of KG Group as well as individual volunteers from the community and many passers-by – participated in the blood donation campaign. The event was organised in co-operation with Blood Donation Centre of Hamad Medical Corporation.
Mohammad Idrees Anwar, CEO and Partner of KG Group of Companies, senior officials of the group and notable Pakistani community members namely, Said Gul, Israr Malazai, Riyaz Bakali, Chaudhry Muhammad Ajmal, Imran Raqfique, Imran Chughtai, and Sulaiman Suqrat also took part in the donation drive.
Speaking on the occasion, Idrees Anwar said: “It is an annual event, which is also part of our corporate social responsibility initiative. We hold it with a view to develop awareness amongst the national and residents of Qatar regarding the importance of and need for donating blood, which is vital for saving lives of people. We have been carrying out this activity since 2009.”
He further said: “The response to the campaign was overwhelming and such action helps in giving a chance of life to those who can be saved with a simple but generous gesture of donating blood. Donors can also overcome their own minor diseases and stay healthy by donating their blood.
“The encouraging aspect was that the location of the event attracted lots of volunteers. During the campaign, the haemoglobin level of the participants was also examined before their blood was obtained. The blood screening tells the donors about their health condition. Check-up for blood pressure and other tests were also conducted by qualified HMC staff.”
Talking to Community, Said Gul, one of the founding members of Pakistan Welfare Forum, said: “Different expatriate communities in Qatar have been organising blood donating events. Many community groups of Pakistanis have also been convening similar campaigns. Usually we carry out such drives on the occasion of World Health Day. However, blood can be required anytime and anywhere. For the recent event, different groups of the Pakistani community decided to join hands with KG Group as they have also been organising similar campaigns for many years.
“We invited all major community groups to join the campaign that was carried out in co-operation with HMC. Though the event was organised on a short notice, the response was overwhelming. We also wanted to highlight that the Pakistani community is a major part of the Qatar community. We care about the people living in Qatar. I would urge all the people of Qatar to come forward and donate blood because it is something that can be required by anyone and at any time.”
Nasir-ud-Din, a driver with KG Group, said: “I am very happy to donate the blood voluntarily. I got a sense of satisfaction when I saw that there were too many people willing to donate their blood. I am also happy that our group organises the event every year.
“I am from Bangladesh. I have also seen similar kind of donation campaign in my country also. Donating blood gives you a sense of achievement that you are able to help the needy and ailing people. I am a driver and I have many friends who are also drivers. We often discuss that we spend a lot of our time on the road. We can meet an accident anytime. Anyone can be in need of blood. If we will donate it today, it would definitely be useful for someone tomorrow.
“I have been working with the company for 11 years. I really appreciate the Qatar government for the health services they provide for all residents. Nothing is more precious and beneficial than donating a bottle of blood.”
GROUP: Members of Pakistan Welfare Forum (PWF) and Pakistan Business Forum Doha (PBFD) paid a courtesy visit to the blood donation camp. Photo supplied
