iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
BAPS Charities has achieved a unique feat – it has collected 4,000 pints of blood that can help save 12,000 lives. The humanitarian organization organized a record-breaking 100 blood drives across North America in partnership with local blood banks to commemorate the Centennial Celebrations of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, whose compassion towards all inspired the creation of BAPS Charities, the humanitarian arm of BAPS.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj lived by the motto ‘In the joy of other lies our own’ – which was the theme of the blood donation drives. BAPS Charities’ nationwide campaign to donate blood was organized during the worst blood shortage crisis in over a decade due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Ian.
BAPS Charities is a registered nonprofit international charity organization committed to serving the world by caring for individuals, families, and communities. It is affiliated with BAPS as an independent charity and social services arm. The 55,000 BAPS volunteers networked in over 3,120 centers around the world provide over 12 million volunteer hours of service annually. BAPS Charities conducts various activities like health fairs, bone marrow, blood drives, walkathons, and disaster relief operations.
Owing to the scarcity of blood, doctors and medical providers are often forced to make difficult decisions impacting patients requiring blood transfusions. As a result, Red Cross issued a call to action for all potential donors, volunteers, and blood drive organizers to help mitigate the crisis.
During the recent blood donation drives, volunteers of BAPS Charities guided the donors with registration and flow. After 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, American Red Cross Blood Services in Chicago, IL, said, “The blood collected today will go a long way towards replenishing blood supplies and, ultimately, saving lives. With the 145 units we collected, up to 435 lives may be saved.”
Jaymin Patel, a blood donor in Robbinsville, NJ said, “I feel great that I gave someone 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, the 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.”
