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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline OCTOBER 21, 2022 | The Indian Eye 29

BAPS Charities’ Largest Blood Drives

in USA and Canada Helps Save 12,000 Lives

OUR BUREAU
New York
n a time of great need, the spirit of giv-
ing was clearly visible as individuals gath-
Iered at BAPS Charities Blood Donation
Drives organized throughout USA and Cana-
da. BAPS Charities organized a record-break-
ing 100 blood drives across North America
in partnership with local blood banks. These
drives helped collect 4,000 pints of blood to
potentially save 12,000 lives (one pint can save
up to three lives).
The 100 blood donation drives were orga-
nized to commemorate the Centennial Celebra-
tions of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj,
whose compassion towards all inspired the cre-
ation of BAPS Charities, the humanitarian arm
of BAPS. He lived by the motto ‘In the joy of
other lies our own’ – which was the theme of the
drives.
BAPS Charities’ nationwide campaign to
donate blood was time relief during the worst
blood shortage crisis in over a decade due to
the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Ian.
Doctors and medical providers are often being
forced to make difficult decisions impacting pa-
tients requiring blood transfusions. As a result,
Red Cross issued a call-to-action for all poten-
tial donors, volunteers, and blood drive organiz-
ers to help mitigate the crisis.
BAPS Charities volunteers guided the
blood donors with registration and flow. Af-
ter their blood donation, they also made sure
that the donors were relaxed, had a snack and
drank liquids until they felt better.
Anna Feltham, Account Manager, Amer-
ican Red Cross Blood Services in Chicago, IL,
said, “The blood collected today will go a long
way towards replenishing blood supplies and, ul-
timately, saving lives. With the 145 units we col-
lected, up to 435 lives may be saved. Amazing!”
Jaymin Patel, a blood donor in Robbins-
ville, NJ said, “I feel great that I gave some-
one the gift of life. BAPS Charities is doing a
tremendous service by organizing these drives
and encouraging people to donate.”
“BAPS Charities has been organizing
blood drives for years, but I think this year is a
record attempt by thousands of donors to save
lives,” said Nilkanth Patel, President, BAPS
Charities. “Our past campaigns helped save
44,000 lives, and with this year’s campaign, we
have helped save another 22,500 lives.”
Dr. Subhash Patel, National Coordinator
of Medical Services, said, “BAPS Charities
would like to thank all the donors and blood
agencies. Without their assistance, we would
not have been able to provide the services vital
to the well-being of our community.”

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