Blood donors turned up in large numbers at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva yesterday after a plea was made to aid an 11-year-old girl who gave birth at the hospital.

By 2pm yesterday at least 20 people had donated blood for the girl after a plea from texts to mobile phone customers and pleas were made on radio requesting for donors.

On average the blood bank receives four to five donors a day.

When Pratika Sharma heard the CWM blood bank was collecting blood for the girl, she rolled up her sleeves and helped in the best way she knew how.

“I am a regular donor, but this time was particularly emotional,” Ms Sharma said.

“When I heard they needed blood, I shared it on my social media and notified my friends about it.”

Vodafone Fiji sent text messages to its customer alerting them of the collection as part of a partnership with the Fiji National Blood Service.

Social media users also shared a plea by the Reproductive and Family Health Association.

Mohammed Zulfikar, one of two Fiji Sun staff who donated, said he was on his way to work when he first heard about the need for donors on the radio.

He prioritised donating blood over being at work on time because it was the right thing to do.

“I knew straight away she must be seriously in need,” Mr Zulfikar said.

“I also have a daughter but I didn’t ask for the gender or religion until after I had donated the required amount.”

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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