THE West Demerara Arya Samaj, in cooperation with the Vreed-en-Hoop Arya Samaj, headed by Mr. Vishnu Bandhu, sponsored and organised a blood drive on Saturday last from 08:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs.

According to organizers, about 100 persons showed up to donate blood. Several individuals were rejected for various reasons. Some 55 pints of blood were collected and turned over to the blood bank. 
The Ministry of Health coordinated the collection of blood which took place at the Vreed-en-Hoop Arya Samaj Mandir. 

Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy visited the location and applauded the work of the West Demerara and Vreed-en-Hoop Arya Samaj in this praiseworthy effort.

He also thanked the staff, noting that this was not the first time that the Arya Samaj volunteered to host a blood drive as one was held in July last year.
Noting the importance of blood to life, the organisers told Dr Ramsammy that they plan to engage in a blood drive twice a year. The officials of the Arya Samaj said they also plan to organise community outreach health programmes. Dr Ramsammy pledged his ministry’s assistance for the mandir’s health projects to serve the communities. 
The officials urged organisations to work together in the community outreach programmes. Another project planned by Arya Samaj organisations is to make available food and clothing for the destitute and underprivileged. For Christmas, the organisations plan to distribute toys and candies to needy children. Other humanitarian projects are also in the works in West Demerara.