The Anavi Blood Donation Camp held on 25th July at AESM office premises can be called a success; Even more so because people – not only seafarers – but their families, AESM office staff and people from nearby offices also participated – in spite of the Kolkata rains. For anyone to get up and travel to office on a dull Saturday morning may not have been easy. But people braved rains, traffic and roads to make it a great day.

Since the Blood Donation Camp in June this year held at the AESM Mumbai office, Capt. Vinay Singh and Mr. ManeeshPradhan, both were keen about having it in Kolkata. Their initiative motivated us to make it bigger and better than the previous years. Normally held as part of Anavi’s anniversary celebration, this year the blood donation camp was able to get so many participants due to the efforts of the members who spread the word through social media as well as putting up posters in other institutes.

Mr. Rajan Bose and staff at the Kolkata deserve special mention – sailing staff on leave were informed and personally contacted. Of course, people readily agreed when they come to know about the cause. Getting the office ready for the event was another important task. Four beds were set up. Food packets were arranged for the participants. Efforts of all the members on the day ensured the whole event went very smoothly without hiccups.

A turnout of more than 50 is not only bettering our record but it is beyond value for the children at Thakurpukur Cancer Research Hospital, who helped conduct the camp. “We need blood for almost all of our patients, even 20 donors are good, but 50+ is absolutely god sent”, said one of the people from the hospital who were there.

A Super Saturday for Anavi – as one of the members put it.