DHAKA: Chevron Bangladesh kicked off its blood donation drives for 2015 on June 8 to mark World Blood Donor Day on June 14.

This year, 419 staff came forward to donate blood from Chevron’s Dhaka office and gas field locations of Bibiyana, Jalalabad, Moulavibazar and Muchai Compressor Station, says a press release.

The daylong drive in Dhaka was inaugurated by Chevron Bangladesh president Kevin Lyon.

He said, “This year’s theme, ‘Thank You for Saving My Life’ reminds us of the real essence behind the act of donating blood – an opportunity to selflessly save lives.”

“A small contribution can make that vital difference between life and death,” he added.

Chevron Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society have jointly been organizing annual blood donation drives to mark World Blood Donor Day for more than 10 years.

Lyon expressed his pride saying that the Red Crescent has recognized Chevron as the highest voluntary blood donor organization for two consecutive years.

It is estimated that the annual need for blood in Bangladesh is 600,000 units in the course of surgeries or by patients afflicted by a wide range of ailments, including hemophilia, dengue, blood-cancer, thalassaemia.

According to the release, Chevron staff members enthusiastically come forward each year as the number of voluntary donors is not able to keep pace with the yearly requirement.

BDST: 2235 HRS, JUN 13, 2015
SR/RR/SMS