Blood drive held to benefit earthquake victims

At 1:41 local time on the afternoon of October 23, 2011, the eastern Turkish village of Tabanli, near the city of Van, was rocked by a powerful earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale. The quake and its aftershocks devastated the region, killing close to 600 people and collapsing thousands of buildings.

The Turkish Red Crescent Society (Kizilay) took immediate action to respond to the disaster by mobilizing its staff and stockpiles. In addition to being the largest humanitarian organization in the country, Kizilay is also its biggest blood bank, collecting blood and blood components, storing them, and transferring them in a secure and appropriate environment.

Donated blood lasts little more than 40 days before it must be disposed of, so the need to replenish the supply is constant—especially in times of emergency. But holidays are usually when blood is in short supply.

Undaunted, Grand Circle Corporation's regional team in Turkey decided to organize a blood to support the organization. Led by Trip Leader Ayberk Akdeniz, a team of associates in the city of Izmir donated blood on December 21, to brighten the longest night of the year—and the prospects of those who needed blood urgently.

"According to the Journal of American Medical Association, it is noted that just one pint of blood can save three lives," notes Mehmet Guler of the Istanbul office. "Maybe next holiday season that could be your gift to a needy person. Your blood could save a baby, a child, a mother, a father, a grandfather, a grandmother."

Colleague Aykut Akgun agrees, adding, "It is a gift we all have inside of us to give to those who are injured, sick, or in need. Those are the best reasons to donate blood. Not everyone can save a life. But you have an opportunity to. Don't waste it."

This story was featured in our January 2012 E-Newsletter. Read the full issue here.