World Blood Donor Day and Why You Should Be There

I love DSC. It’s one the NGOs I’ve worked with since the beginning and have followed it on this blog for the past 2 and a half years. Last week, DSC got together its donors and organized a very fond thank you for the most committed of the bunch.

Mr Tinawi, 100+ donations

After a presentation by Dr Rola Saad from the Children Against Cancer NGO who gave amazing insights and numbers into cancer in children in Lebanon and how blood and platelet donation is instrumental in keeping the children alive and stable long enough for the cancer to be characterized and treatment begun.

Then, we heard from a local celebrity, Wissam Sabbagh, and how he is trying to promote blood donation via airing it on national TV, to show reluctant potential donors how easy and pain-free it is to donate blood.

That’s when a true hero took to the stage. Dany Tinawi, a Jamhour professor, has donated well over 100 times in the past 33 years. Just to put that in perspective, I’ve been able to donate a total of 14 times since I turned 18. So, hopefully, in 29 years, I’ll be able to boast the same number this bike-riding, eco-friendly, human rights activist with an awesome sense of humor.

Then, certificates and souvenirs were distributed to donors who’ve donate at least 10 times, 25 times, 50 times, 75 times and 100 times! I know it’s “donner sang compter” (give without counting) but it feels hella good to get a nod of appreciation for once, and for that I thank DSC deeply, as I now proudly display my small trophy and certificate on the mantlepiece in my room.

Myself accepting the awesome gesture by Founder, Yorgui Teyrouz

But, donors are not everything we need. We also need friends and donors of time. As you all know, last year we broke the record for the biggest human blood drop shape at the Saint Joseph School Cornet Chehwan with over 1300 people standing in formation. Korea beat us to it, and DSC is planning to reclaim the title THIS Sunday.

Here’s why you should come:

1- Nemr is Hosting

Nemr has been the talk of the town recently with his whole Myriam Klink fiasco. Why not get a chance to go to a free event and have him host and joke for your pleasure only?

2- Meen, Jammit and Treehoppers

If you’re a band fan, DSC’s gotten 3 of the most popular local bands in Beirut. They will all be performing live, making the entertainment level soar 3-fold!

3- Free

You don’t pay a cent for a night full of fun people, acts and activities

4- Your Chance to Help

You can donate on the spot (for the St Jude’s Children’s Cancer Center in Lebanon), get a free blood test or just know more about blood donation. If you can’t donate blood for whatever reason, this is your chance to help DSC by just showing up and showing solidarity with the NGO with over 15,000 lives touched or saved so far in Lebanon.