Donating blood to demonstrate love

As millions of people worldwide celebrate Valentine’s Day in a romantic way, the Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service (KNBTS) took a different turn by providing a platform for Kenyans to donate blood.

 In a campaign dubbed as the ‘Valentine Blood Donation’, which is being conducted simultaneously in 26 blood donation sites across the country, Kenyans have a chance to show their love in a special way. They are Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, Embu, Kisumu, Mombasa, Kisii, Bungoma, Thick, Lodwar, Migori, Kitale among others.

The drive targets to collect over 10,000 units of blood and create more awareness on the importance of blood donation to over one million citizens.

In Nairobi, the campaign will be conducted for two days, 14th and 15th February, while the rest of the sites will run the drive on Valentine’s Day only up to 6pm.

In the spirit of Valentine’s celebration, every blood donor is given a red rose flower after the exercise.

READ: 8 Listed firms on course for Valentine’s Day boom

Speaking to Business Today outside the Kenya National Archives in Nairobi, Joseph Kamotho, KNBTS Corporate Affairs Manager, encouraged many citizens to come out and donate blood as it can save a life in future.

“Blood is the biggest gift you can give to someone that you don’t know and probably you will never meet. But you will save a life somewhere. People should come out and demonstrate love by donating blood,” said Mr Kamotho.

The drive which is themed, Show Your Love donation, is being conducted by KNBTS, Kenya Red Cross and St John’s Ambulance to the initiative.