June 14, is celebrated globally as World Blood Donor Day. The objectives of the global campaign this year were to recognize regular donors and to inspire first-timers to join the cause. The Essar Foundation, along with Essar Oil (EOL), marked the day by conducting a blood donation camp at the site of EOL's Raniganj CBM block, in Durgapur, West Bengal. This event was the first such initiative undertaken by Essar in Durgapur, and was organized in association with the sub-divisional hospital of Durgapur.
The drive began with a group of regular donors enthusiastically recalling
their previous experiences of donating blood, while in queue to fill up their
registration forms. Listening to their experiences, many initially hesitant,
first-time blood donors, were inspired to volunteer.
In all, 143 people, including 47 villagers from the neighboring areas, Essar employees, vendors and contractors, stepped forward to donate blood. Every volunteer received a donor certificate recognizing their contribution.
