BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Sydney, organized its 11th annual blood donation drive with the help of the Australian Red Cross Society (ARCS) on 5 December 2009.
Two giant Red Cross donor mobiles were stationed outside the BAPS Mandir in Parramatta from 8.00 a.m. The ARCS Blood Bank's Parramatta regional manager, Mr Andrew Scott, said that this was the first time that two donor mobiles have been set up at one site, showing the enthusiasm of the donors.
The event was well planned with BAPS organizers having already vetted potential donors and allocated them a specific time during the day to come to donate their blood.
Hon. Tanya Gadiel MP, State Member for Parramatta and Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, was the Chief Guest at the inauguration ceremony of the drive. Addressing the donors and Red Cross staff who had gathered at the Mandir, Ms Gadiel emphasized the importance of donating blood, describing it as a selfless contribution to society. She congratulated BAPS on organizing the blood donation drive and for their overall contribution to the local Parramatta community.
By the time the donor mobiles left at 4.00 p.m., over 100 people had donated blood. Due to the shortage of time, many others were requested to donate at the Parramatta Blood Bank later in the week.
BAPS thanks everyone for their generous support.