Tag: Indian Red Cross Society

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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.

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.

Human Interest

Goa Observes World Blood Donor Day with State-Level Event in Porvorim

allycaralgoa

“Give Blood, Give Hope – Together We Save Lives” theme inspires awareness and gratitude

Porvorim, Goa | June 14, 2025 — Reinforcing the life-saving impact of voluntary blood donation, Goa observed World Blood Donor Day 2025 with a state-level function held at Porvorim, organised jointly by the Goa State Blood Transfusion Council (GSBTC) and the Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS).

Held under the global theme “Give Blood, Give Hope – Together We Save Lives”, the event brought together health officials, educators, volunteers, and donors to celebrate the spirit of giving and highlight the importance of safe and timely blood donation in saving lives.

🗣️ Leaders Applaud Lifesavers, Stress Awareness

The event was graced by a distinguished panel of guests and stakeholders from the health and education sectors, including:

  • Dr. Vandana Dhume, Project Director, GSACS
  • Shri Gaurish Dhond, Chairman, Indian Red Cross Society – Goa Chapter
  • Smt. Meghana Shetgaonkar, Director, SCERT
  • Dr. Uday Gaonkar, Principal, DEd College
  • Representatives from blood banks, NGOs, educational institutions, and donor groups

In her address, Dr. Vandana Dhume applauded Goa’s voluntary blood donors, especially the youth, for their life-saving contributions, and emphasized the need for continued awareness and participation.

“Every drop of donated blood carries the power to save a life. Let us build a culture where donation becomes second nature,” she said.

Shri Gaurish Dhond highlighted the long-standing role of the Red Cross in mobilizing donors and urged institutions to integrate blood donation drives into their yearly social responsibility activities.

🎖️ Donors Honoured, Youth Inspired

The program also featured:

  • Recognition of frequent and voluntary donors
  • Presentations on safe blood transfusion practices
  • Short films and testimonials from recipients and donors
  • A pledge ceremony encouraging first-time participants to become regular donors

Student representatives and educators from teacher training institutes participated actively, taking away both knowledge and inspiration to foster donation drives in their campuses.

“Today’s youth are tomorrow’s hope. If we cultivate giving early, we build a stronger, healthier society,” noted Dr. Uday Gaonkar.

🧬 The Message: Blood Donation is a Shared Responsibility

World Blood Donor Day serves as a global reminder that safe blood saves lives — during surgeries, childbirth, trauma, cancer treatment, and chronic conditions like thalassemia and hemophilia. Goa has consistently shown strong voluntary donor participation, but officials stressed the importance of ensuring year-round availability through regular drives.

The event also spotlighted how blood donation contributes to HIV/AIDS prevention, as each donation undergoes rigorous testing under GSACS protocols, thus ensuring both safe transfusion and early detection of infections.

🩷 Why It Matters:

  • One unit of blood can save up to 3 lives
  • Voluntary, non-remunerated donations are the safest and most sustainable
  • Regular donors help maintain stable blood supplies for emergencies

🏥 Organised by:

  • Goa State Blood Transfusion Council (GSBTC)
  • Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS)

With support from:

  • Indian Red Cross Society – Goa Chapter
  • SCERT Goa
  • Local educational and healthcare institutions
Social

Nutritional Support Initiative for TB Patients Launched Under PMTBMA

allycaralgoa

Panaji, 3rd April 2025.
The Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Goa, launched a nutritional support program for 200 tuberculosis (TB) patients as part of the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan on Thursday.
The event was graced by Shri Gaurish Dhond, Chairman of IRCS Goa, along with State TB Officer Dr. Manish Gaunekar, Vice Chairman Shri Manguirish Pai Raiker, Member Shri Rajesh Salgaonker, General Secretary Shri John Aguiar, Shri Rio Couto, and other esteemed guests.

During the launch, Shri Dhond emphasized the Prime Minister’s ambitious goal of making India TB-free, aiming to achieve this five years ahead of the global target. He highlighted that the program is making significant strides towards this objective.

“To attain this target, we are providing essential nutritional support to TB patients, guided by the unwavering support of His Excellency, the Governor of Goa,” said Shri Dhond. This initiative underscores the commitment of the Indian Red Cross Society and the government to combat tuberculosis and improve the health and well-being of affected individuals.