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Sikhs donate blood at
Lankershim gurdwara
Angad Singh
LOS ANGELES: Seventy-five people donated
blood at the annual American Red Cross holiday blood drive on
December 9 at the Sikh Temple of Los Angeles in Lankershim. The
blood will be donated to the area hospitals in Southern California.
"Even though I was scared of giving blood for the first time, I felt
that I couldn't miss this perfect opportunity to help the people in
need," said donor Jaspreet Sethi. The event was organized by local
high school students Sartaaj and Harnoor Walia along with Red Cross
representative Geri Hernandez
."I really wanted to help my community because there are so many
people who need blood right now…I'm really impressed with the amount
of support shown by everyone," said Harnoor Walia. The drive
consisted of two 'blood mobiles' situated in the temple compound
along with Red Cross employees. "I donated blood because it would be
useful to my community and I feel good about myself.
This is the least I can do," said donor Gunjiv Singh. Donors varied
in age from 17 to 69 years and all were rewarded with a coupon for
Cold Stone Creamery and also got the opportunity to win a $500
American Express gift card in a raffle. "It would be stupid not to
donate blood because it is the easiest way to save a life…I just
have to sit for ten minutes and at the end of the process I helped
someone out," said donor Jagmeet Singh.
The event was promoted weeks in advance and the drive had a total of
44 appointments and 31 walk-ins. "I'm really glad with our success
and I hope this will blood drive will continue in the future," said
Harnoor Walia.
26 December, 2007
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