MTN Valentine’s Day blood donation exercise underway

The annual Valentine’s Day blood donation exercise by MTN Ghana Foundation has kicked off in four regional capitals in a bold attempt by Ghana’s lead telecom operator to restock the National Blood Bank.

In Accra, the venue for the exercise, the Ridge Towers offices of MTN, is bustling with activity as enthusiastic donors make their way there to support the national cause.

Similar exercises are being carried out simultaneously in Takoradi, Tamale and Kumasi which has two venues.

Officials are hopeful the exercise will be highly successful, gauging by the level of corporate support and collaboration so far. No less than five corporate institutions are providing support in this year’s campaign.

The Coca Cola Bottling Company of Ghana is supporting the day with drinks and water; Nestle Ghana Limited is giving all donors some of their beverages including Milo and Ideal Milk, while Perfecto Noodles is serving donors noodle meals and fresh, take-home products.

Ecobank is also providing drinks, food and water, with Merchant Bank setting up another venue at Adum, Kumasi where donors may visit to participate in the exercise.

Managers of the National Blood Bank who are all praise for the organisers and are part of the exercise, say stocks are critically low, while voluntary donations are dwindling, a situation that threatens healthcare delivery especially in emergency cases.

{gallery}mtnblooddonation{/gallery}