“World Blood Donor Day” celebrated all over the world

(June 14, 2011) Countries worldwide celebrated “World Blood Donor Day” on Tuesday (June 14) with events to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and to thank voluntary unpaid donors for their life-saving gifts of blood. The theme of this day “More blood. More Life”, reinforces the urgent need for more people all over the world to become life-savers by volunteering blood regularly.
“Pope Benedict XVI made a reference to this day earlier on Sunday, after praying the midday Regina Coeli in St. Peter’s Square, when he invited youth to follow the example of those who donate blood. The Pontiff spoke of blood donors as people "who in a silent way contribute to the help of brothers in difficulties." The Pope said "To all blood donors, I address a cordial greeting, and invite young people to follow their example."
World Blood Donor Day was jointly coordinated by the World Health Organization, WHO, the International Federation of Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations . By designating a special day to celebrate the role of voluntary blood donors around the world, it is hoped that a new generation of blood donors will follow the example, providing sufficient supplies of the safest blood possible for use, wherever and whenever it is needed to save lives. WHO reports that 92 million people worldwide donate blood each year.