In Colombo, Sri Lanka, the arrival of April is marked by the vibrant celebrations of Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Yet, for hospitals and patients in need, this festive season often brings a pressing challenge: a sharp drop in blood donations. This year, a timely blood donation drive organized by the Tzu Chi Colombo Office offered a vital response, bringing together volunteers, donors, and medical staff to ensure that hope and care continued to flow.

Meeting an Urgent Need During the Holidays

The New Year period in Sri Lanka is a time when families gather, travel increases, and regular routines pause. As a result, blood banks like Ragama Blood Bank and the National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS) often face a critical shortage. Recognizing this, Tzu Chi volunteers quickly organized a special donation drive, responding to a direct request from the NBTS to help bridge the gap during this crucial time.

Creating a Welcoming Space for Giving

From the earliest preparations, volunteers worked together to create a warm and welcoming environment for donors and medical staff. The venue was carefully arranged, with refreshments thoughtfully provided for everyone involved. TV screens displayed Master Cheng Yen’s teachings in Sinhala, alongside images of Tzu Chi’s activities in Sri Lanka, offering inspiration and comfort to those waiting their turn.

After donating, each donor was cared for by the serving team, who ensured everyone felt comfortable and appreciated. This attention to detail helped put both donors and blood bank staff at ease, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

Donors and Volunteers Share Their Experiences

For many, the act of giving blood was deeply meaningful. Waruna Wijenayake, who decided to turn back and donate after seeing the event, shared:

“I was on my way and I saw that there was a blood donation program here. I had already passed this place, but I turned back and came to donate blood. I haven't been able to donate blood for a while. It's great to have programs like this, especially when blood supplies are low. Don't be afraid, donating blood is a normal thing. Everyone here is very friendly. We look forward to participating in programs like this in the future. Also, according to our religion, this is a great merit. We also donate blood to save another human being's life. We should live healthily so that we can donate blood without getting sick or taking unnecessary risks.”

Sandeep Piyumantha, a Public Health Inspector from NBTS, expressed his gratitude:

“Today marks the conclusion of the 65th blood donation program organized by Tzu Chi Foundation in Piliyandala. I believe this is the only foundation in Sri Lanka that runs a blood donation program every month. April is the month when the national blood bank receives the least amount of blood. Today's blood donation program is organized based on our special request. We successfully collected 60 pints of blood today, which is especially important since there won't be any donation programs during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations in the next few days. As a result, the pints of blood collected today can be used to meet the needs of patients in the coming days. I'd like to extend my thanks to the Tzu Chi foundation and everyone involved for organizing the blood donation drive, especially during this month when we have a low blood supply.”

Youth volunteers also found fulfillment in their contributions. Kesara Lakshan, who both volunteered and donated blood, reflected:

“I volunteer as a youth with Tzu Chi and join Tzu Chi activities. I donated blood today, and I'm really happy to know that I helped save someone’s life. This is the only country where donors give voluntarily without expecting anything in return. Often, in other countries, we have to pay a certain amount to the donors when they donate blood. However, we have a great opportunity through Tzu Chi, where we can donate blood whenever we go to a place near us, and we can also help people who come to donate blood. I'm very happy. I hope to continue participating. I hope to give my best.”

A Season of Giving and Renewal

This special blood donation drive stands as a reminder of the power of compassion and the importance of community, especially during times of celebration. By coming together to address a critical need, volunteers and donors offered not just blood, but hope and reassurance to patients and families across Sri Lanka. In a season dedicated to renewal and generosity, their actions became a true expression of the New Year’s spirit.

Written by Victoria Paranavithana