Demonstrating true zeal of volunteerism, the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) in Liberia hosted a three-day blood donation drive to mark this year’s World Blood Donor Day. Enthusiastic partners supporting the drive included the National Blood Safety Program (NBSP), the University of Liberia Volunteer Movement (ULVM), World Health Organization (WHO) and other organizations.  Held from 18 to 20 June, the venues of the drive included the University of Liberia’s campuses in Monrovia and Fendell  and Catholic Hospital. Nearly 300 people came out to give the gift of life and donate their blood.

“I am feeling great in myself as I have done something for betterment of human life. I believe this drive would pace volunteering endeavors amongst other Liberian young people,” said Roland Siddique, one of the key volunteers of the blood donation drive after donating his blood.

Mohammad, a student at the University of Liberia, said, “I got informed about this blood donation program through UNMIL Radio and then decided to express solidarity by donating my blood for saving the life of our people.”

The blood drive was one of the successful initiatives of the UNV Programme with people from different walks of life showing their support by donating blood voluntarily. Teachers, businessmen, students, carpenters and journalists were among the many people who responded to the drive. Abraham K. Kanneh, President of University of Liberia Volunteers Movement, said the event was a great success in terms of boosting volunteerism in Liberia.

“I felt from my heart to be here for extending my support with other volunteers towards this noble initiative,” said Ula Metzger, one of the contestants of the 2012 Miss Liberia competition.   Some 50 volunteers from various organizations spent several weeks behind the scenes to organize the blood donation drive.