Photo provided to Hangzhoufeel
Experiencer
By Reg Ford
We held our second --hopefully one of many future successful-- blood drives on May 11. This one was extra special, as it coincided with Mother’s Day, so it couldn’t have been more pertinent in celebrating the gift of life.
The location was once again idyllic, right beside our beautiful West Lake and convenient for passers-by to notice and be enticed to enquire and donate, by our roving Rotarians and volunteers. Sarah, the chief organizer, was ably assisted thanks to valued new Hangzhou members Tony, Max and Elena, together with seasoned members Cindy and Alex. Sorcha, who is soon departing Hangzhou after twelve years, contributed as a wonderful farewell gesture, along with several other hard-working helpers.
At least ten foreigners and many Chinese kindly gave this potentially lifesaving or life-changing gift, including two Bangladeshi students who happened to come along and jumped at the chance to donate their precious blood to this truely worthy cause. We estimate that about fifty people donated in total.
This is just one of several important projects that Rotary is leading and supporting, to give back to our beloved Hangzhou community.