Tag: Blood Donation

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Philanthropist Sushma Khandeparkar Donates Blood Bank Vehicle to IRCS in Memory of Her Father

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

In a heartfelt gesture that blends remembrance with service, philanthropist Ms. Sushma Khandeparkar has donated a specialised blood bank vehicle to the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), marking the 100th birth anniversary of her late father. The initiative aims to strengthen blood donation services and improve healthcare access, particularly in rural and underserved areas of Goa.

The formal handover ceremony was held on January 6 at the Indian Red Cross Society Head Office, where Ms. Khandeparkar presented an initial payment cheque of ₹18 lakh to the Manager of M/s Chintamani Motors, Sangli. The total cost of the Force Traveller blood bank vehicle stands at ₹22.30 lakh, with Ms. Khandeparkar committing to cover the remaining amount upon delivery.

The occasion was attended by Chairman of IRCS Goa Shri Gaurish Dhond, Vice Chairperson Shri Manguerish Pai Raikar, President of Rotary Club of Panjim Rtn. Prashant Prabhakar Kaisare, General Secretary of IRCS Shri John Aguiar, along with other dignitaries and members of the organisation. Their presence underscored the collective commitment towards strengthening public health infrastructure through collaboration and community support.

Expressing his gratitude, Shri Gaurish Dhond highlighted that the donated blood bank vehicle, intended for use by the Goa Medical College, will significantly improve the reach of blood donation services. By enabling mobile blood collection drives, the vehicle will help bridge gaps in accessibility and ensure timely availability of blood in remote regions.

Vice Chairperson Shri Manguerish Pai Raikar and Ms. Sushma Khandeparkar also addressed the gathering, reflecting on the importance of giving back to society through meaningful and sustainable initiatives. For Ms. Khandeparkar, the donation stands as a personal tribute and a commitment to service, transforming remembrance into action that benefits the larger community.

This contribution also marks the beginning of a year-long humanitarian initiative led by Ms. Khandeparkar. Over the coming months, a series of health and community programmes will be organised in collaboration with Rotary International and the Indian Red Cross Society. Fully funded by her, these initiatives aim to maximise the impact of the new blood bank vehicle and strengthen blood donation awareness and participation across the region.

Through this gesture, the legacy of service and compassion continues—demonstrating how individual generosity can create lasting change in public health and community well-being.

EduConnect

Nursing Students of Harmal Panchkrishi Visit Indian Red Cross Society Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Nursing students of Harmal Panchkrishi Shikshan Mandal’s Nursing College visited the Indian Red Cross Society, Goa Branch, where they were warmly welcomed by the General Secretary, Shri John Aguiar. The students interacted with the Red Cross team and were introduced to the impactful legacy of Jean Henry Dunant, the Swiss humanitarian and founder of the Red Cross, through an informative film.

They also viewed a film on blood donation and a detailed presentation on the Indian Red Cross Society, helping them understand the organization’s contributions to humanitarian welfare. The visit offered deep insights into the range of services carried out by the Red Cross, including disaster management, community health initiatives, and blood donation drives.

Such exposure gives nursing students a broader perspective on the roles they may play in society, extending their understanding of care beyond hospital settings to include community service, disaster relief, and support for vulnerable populations.

The group of 28 students participated with great interest and enthusiasm, making the visit both educational and inspiring.

Health

Organ Donation Awareness at Blood Donation Camp in Dona Paula, Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Health Desk

On November 21, 2025, Mr. Gabriel Pereira, Organ Donation Ambassador with the MOHAN Foundation, set up an organ donation information desk at the blood donation camp held at Bay 15 Resort, Dona Paula, Goa. The camp was organized by the Models Group in association with the Indian Red Cross Society, Goa, and the Goa Medical College Blood Bank, Bambolim, in fond memory of the late Mr. Peter Vaz, founder of the Models Group, to commemorate his birth anniversary.

The Models Group, which began as a modest real estate firm, has grown into one of Goa’s most respected names in development, tourism, and community initiatives. From landmark residential projects to iconic hospitality ventures and a celebrated football club, the group’s legacy is built on innovation, integrity, and impact. Under the guidance of Mrs. Natalina Vaz, along with Danira Vaz and Diogo Nathan Vaz, the group continues to honor the vision of Mr. Peter Vaz while driving real estate development in Goa to new heights.

At the camp, 77 attendees from various establishments of the Models Group donated blood. Mr. Gabriel Pereira distributed around 60 sets of frequently asked questions on organ donation and engaged with the donors, emphasizing the importance of organ donation. He expressed his appreciation to the blood donors for their generosity, noting that their contributions could save three to four lives. He highlighted that by pledging to donate organs, one person could save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of up to 50 people through tissue donation. Inspired by the awareness session, 10 individuals signed organ donation pledge cards.

Mr. Gabriel extended his gratitude to Mr. Rio, Program Officer at the Indian Red Cross Society, Goa, for inviting the MOHAN Foundation to participate in the camp and promote organ donation awareness.

Health

Organ Donation Awareness at Blood Donation Camp in Aldona, Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Health Desk

On November 22, 2025, a blood donation camp organized by St. Thomas Girls’ High School in Aldona, in collaboration with Loving Hearts Goa and the North Goa District Hospital (Asilo) Blood Bank, hosted an organ donation awareness desk led by Mr. Gabriel Pereira, Organ Donation Ambassador with the MOHAN Foundation. Supported by Dr. Carlos Medical Stores, Aldona, the camp ran from 10 AM to 1 PM and attracted participation from 19 parents and members of the public who generously donated blood.

Mr. Gabriel Pereira interacted with the donors, emphasizing the importance of both blood and organ donation. He explained that a single blood donation can save three to four lives, while one organ donor can save up to eight lives and positively impact 50 more through tissue donation. During the camp, four donors took pledge cards to commit themselves as organ donors.

In addition to personal engagement, Mr. Pereira distributed frequently asked questions about organ donation and shared bike and helmet stickers featuring the organ donation and transplant helpline number to further spread awareness in the community.

The President of Loving Hearts Goa, Mr. Mark D’ Souza, expressed gratitude to Sr. Rosarina Crasto, the Headmistress of St. Thomas Girls’ High School, for allowing the camp to be held at the school premises for the second time, highlighting the collaborative effort to promote health awareness and community service in Aldona.

Health

Blood Donation Camp Organized at Our Lady of Pilar Church, Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Health Desk

On November 18, 2025, Our Lady of Pilar Church, affiliated with the Society of Pilar in Goa, organized a blood donation camp in collaboration with Loving Hearts Goa and the Goa Medical College Blood Bank. The camp, which ran from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, coincided with the eighth day of the novena dedicated to the sick and was held at the Pilar Seminary Hall. Parishioners who attended Mass earlier in the day actively participated in this life-saving initiative, alongside seminarians and priests who generously donated blood.

In addition to the blood donation drive, the camp featured an Organ Donation Information Desk managed by Mr. Gabriel Pereira, an Organ Donation Ambassador from the MOHAN Foundation. He distributed approximately 30 frequently asked questions on organ donation and engaged attendees in meaningful discussions about the importance of pledging support for organ donation, inspiring many to consider contributing to this noble cause.

Mr. Ranjit Rodrigues, a founding member of Loving Hearts Goa, and President Mr. Mark D’Souza expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Rev. Fr. Anthony Joseph Fernandes, Central Delegate Superior at the Pilar Pilgrim Centre, for supporting the camp for the second consecutive year. They also thanked all donors for their valuable contributions, emphasizing that each donation has the potential to make a significant difference in someone’s life. The blood donation camp at Our Lady of Pilar Church was a remarkable demonstration of community spirit, compassion, and the shared commitment to saving lives through both blood and organ donation.