Please, tell us about the project "Rodnaya krov ". How did the idea of the project come up?
There are many couples among our donors. Moreover, there are those who met each other at the blood transfusion station during the scheduled visit. Many spouses are honorary donors. Having matured, their children are also involved in the donor movement. The example of parents is priceless. By this, they show that donation is safe and honorable, they are a source of reliable information about the diet, the features of preparation for donation and other aspects of the donor life. The families of Bakirovs and Askarovs are the most famous dynasties in the region. During our long-term cooperation, we came to the conclusion that such families are a good source of staff donation. That is how our project “Rodnaya krov” was launched. With the help of it we express our gratitude and reverence to donors. Date - July 8 - Day of Saints Peter and Fevronia, Orthodox patrons of the family and marriage.
How was the action “Rodnaya krov” on July 8, 2019? What was the most memorable?
There are more than 100 such families in the Sverdlovsk region. First, we informed them about the upcoming action, but only 10 were able to arrive in 2019. Some had planned donation that day, some brought their children. The campaign is held for the second year in a row. There is a special warm atmosphere this day on the station. Donors are given the opportunity to communicate with each other, with station staff outside the formal environment: we solve usual and urgent issues about blood donation, and listen to suggestions. All in the name of a common mission.
What difficulties did you face while project preparation?
There were no particular difficulties. Well, it was rather hard to collect all the donor families on July 8 at the same time. This day, we want to especially please our volunteers. Our donors help us create a festive atmosphere. Among them there are professional pastry chefs who donate treats for spouses.
Tell us about the partner of this project the Orthodox Mercy Service? What was the main argument for starting your cooperation?
We have long-term partnership with the "Orthodox Mercy Service". We share common ideas and values - humanism, compassion, charity. The service provides support to disadvantaged social categories of citizens. These are low-income families, large families, people with disabilities, pensioners, refugees, internally displaced persons, and homeless people. The manufacture of all kinds of crafts is the source of income and self-realization for these people. The organization has its own production for manufacturing products. Repeatedly wards of the Service made souvenirs to encourage donors. The Orthodox Charity Service was pleased to support the Native Blood project, aimed at preserving, popularizing family values and free blood donation. There are family psychologists among the organization's volunteers, our donors may ask for their help if necessary.
What results did you plan to achieve? Were you successful?
It is too early to assess the result of long-term project. I would like to underline, that every year the number of participants in the campaign (donor spouses) is growing: five families participated in the events in 2018, ten families in 2019. The campaign is of interest and receives wide media coverage. We all are alike our parents, our beliefs and values are instilled in us in families. We do and will count on donor dynasties in the education of our future potential donors.
And our traditional question: what would you wish to donors and people, who are going to join donor program?
I wish the donors good health. These are different people with different fates, but they are similar in one. They save lives by giving their blood. Donorship is the most affordable type of charity; donation is considered prestigious all over the world. Anyone can become a part of the team. I invite you to join us.