The reason for a smile: donating blood to save lives

In a world where a single act of kindness could mean the difference between life and death, Suits & Suits, in
partnership with Nakasero Blood Bank and Makerere University Business School, stood as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative power of community and compassion.

The Impact of Blood Donation

Research indicates that Uganda collects approximately 300,000 units of blood annually, falling short of the World Health Organization's recommendation of at least 400,000 per year. This shortfall is particularly critical for children under five, pregnant women, and road accident victims, who are the most frequent recipients of blood transfusions due to malaria, anemia, and pregnancy-related complications. Additionally, sickle cell disease patients benefit immensely from blood donations, which can alleviate symptoms and save their lives.

Facing a national blood shortage, Suits & Suits, a social club, partly dedicated to positive social impact, partnered with Nakasero Blood Bank and Makerere University Business School to conduct a blood donation campaign. Held on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the Business School, the event drew a diverse crowd of students, lecturers, friends, and community members.

One of our core values is teamwork and togetherness, which was well exhibited during the blood donation campaign

Several club members supported the Nakasero Blood Bank team in various activities, demonstrating our commitment to this cause.

Members took part in various activities to ensure the success of the event:

· Registration: Welcoming Every Donor. Some members managed the registration
process, greeting each donor with a smile and carefully recording donor details.

· Quality Control: Precision in Labeling. Some members labeled blood sample bottles. This step ensured the accuracy and traceability of donations, safeguarding the integrity of the blood collected and ensuring it reached those in need without error.

· Mobilization: Inspiring the Community. The energy and enthusiasm of our mobilization team were infectious. They spread across the campus and beyond, encouraging students, faculty, and community
members to participate. This significantly boosted donor turnout.

· Organization: Seamless Event Management. Behind the scenes, our team worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of the event was well-coordinated. From setting up donation stations to managing logistics, their efforts ensured that everything ran smoothly, reflecting the club's commitment to excellence.

· Support: Caring for the Donors' Well-Being. Ensuring the well-being of donors was a top priority. Our members checked up on those who had just donated, monitoring their condition.

· Social Interaction: Building Bonds Through Board Games. Understanding the importance of social well­being, we created a relaxed and friendly atmosphere by inviting donors to interact and play board games. This brought a sense of joy and community to the event.

· Feedback Collection: Learning and Growing. Collecting feedback from the donors and our partners was an integral part of our process. This feedback was not only a testament to our success but also a valuable resource for future improvement.

Celebrating the Donors: By the end of the day, an impressive 86 units of blood, equivalent to 38,700 mLs, were collected, surpassing the daily target of 60 units per station by 26 units. These contributions have the potential to save atleast 258 lives.

Grateful Hearts. Acknowledging Our Lifesaving Partners:

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants and our invaluable partners, Nakasero Blood Bank and Makerere University Business School, for their collaborative efforts in this life-saving mission. We urge everyone to consider the profound impact of donating blood.

MAY GREA TNESS CONTINUE TO BE REVEALED