Can Gazis latest cup of blood red conversation.
Posted: Thu 15 Jan 2015 5:23 pm
Coffee Cup Conversations
by Can Gazi of BRT.
When I think of the colour red the immediate associations I make are the ones I'm sure most of us make - red is the colour of passion, of romance, of danger even! Red may be the colour to stop cars at traffic lights; but recently red has become synonymous with a very important campaign in the TRNC - blood donation.
For many years The British Residents Society (BRS) in North Cyprus has held regular blood donation days, generally based at the Girne Akçiçek State Hospital. Organised and led by Prue Lundie,these blood donation drives have made a small yet significant contribution to the blood bank based at the Lefkoşa State Hospital. The BRS currently has a comprehensive list of the blood groups of the members who are willing to donate blood when the need arises. Unfortunately, more often than not, the need does arise.
To support the efforts of the BRS and to increase awareness about the importance of blood donations a few courageous expats living in the TRNC have literally gone red! I recently had the pleasure of meeting up with Wendy Smith and Peter Toms. A few years ago Wendy and another lady friend would often be seen out and about North Cyprus dressed in red. Just before Christmas last year Wendy brought out her little red dress from the cupboard again, and this time she recruited the help of a couple of male friends. The "Lady & Lads In Red" campaign has, in a short period of time, gained momentum. Thanks to the recent festive season and the innovative "Santa" outfits of the lads, Peter Toms and Steve Collard, this small group are now instantly recognisable wherever they go.
Wendy told me that her aim is to encourage as many people as possible to attend the blood donation days organised by the BRS. "It is important to get the message across, and to prove that it's very simple, and not at all painful, to donate your blood" she says. Peter and Steve are supporting Wendy and any other men who would like to join in the fun by wearing red are more than welcome! You never know, one day it might be you who needs the blood, so it's important to keep supplies replenished. Please bear in mind that blood in not just needed for routine operations. In North Cyprus there are sufferers of the genetic blood disorder called thalassaemia who need regular blood transfusions, and thus the importance of keeping blood supplies high is once again placed before us.
Over the next few months The Lady & Lads In Red aim to be seen at most major charity and social events held in and around the Girne area. They particularly want to be out and about prior to a BRS blood donation day. Working alongside the BRS, they will do all they can to boost numbers. The next BRS Blood Donation Day will be on Saturday the 7th of February, at the Girne Akçiçek State Hospital between 10am and 1pm. Old friends will be welcomed back with open arms (and a biscuit and some fruit juice too) and new faces are also more than welcome. If you are not sure if you can donate your blood, for whatever reason, come down anyway to find out. As the poster campaign clearly points out; "The most valuable gift you can give is your blood."
by Can Gazi of BRT.
For many years The British Residents Society (BRS) in North Cyprus has held regular blood donation days, generally based at the Girne Akçiçek State Hospital. Organised and led by Prue Lundie,these blood donation drives have made a small yet significant contribution to the blood bank based at the Lefkoşa State Hospital. The BRS currently has a comprehensive list of the blood groups of the members who are willing to donate blood when the need arises. Unfortunately, more often than not, the need does arise.
To support the efforts of the BRS and to increase awareness about the importance of blood donations a few courageous expats living in the TRNC have literally gone red! I recently had the pleasure of meeting up with Wendy Smith and Peter Toms. A few years ago Wendy and another lady friend would often be seen out and about North Cyprus dressed in red. Just before Christmas last year Wendy brought out her little red dress from the cupboard again, and this time she recruited the help of a couple of male friends. The "Lady & Lads In Red" campaign has, in a short period of time, gained momentum. Thanks to the recent festive season and the innovative "Santa" outfits of the lads, Peter Toms and Steve Collard, this small group are now instantly recognisable wherever they go.
Wendy told me that her aim is to encourage as many people as possible to attend the blood donation days organised by the BRS. "It is important to get the message across, and to prove that it's very simple, and not at all painful, to donate your blood" she says. Peter and Steve are supporting Wendy and any other men who would like to join in the fun by wearing red are more than welcome! You never know, one day it might be you who needs the blood, so it's important to keep supplies replenished. Please bear in mind that blood in not just needed for routine operations. In North Cyprus there are sufferers of the genetic blood disorder called thalassaemia who need regular blood transfusions, and thus the importance of keeping blood supplies high is once again placed before us.
Over the next few months The Lady & Lads In Red aim to be seen at most major charity and social events held in and around the Girne area. They particularly want to be out and about prior to a BRS blood donation day. Working alongside the BRS, they will do all they can to boost numbers. The next BRS Blood Donation Day will be on Saturday the 7th of February, at the Girne Akçiçek State Hospital between 10am and 1pm. Old friends will be welcomed back with open arms (and a biscuit and some fruit juice too) and new faces are also more than welcome. If you are not sure if you can donate your blood, for whatever reason, come down anyway to find out. As the poster campaign clearly points out; "The most valuable gift you can give is your blood."