Al-Futtaim Motors supports ‘My Blood for My Country' drive with 6th Blood Donation campaign

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, November 16, 2014: In line with the “My Blood for My Country” initiative launched by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, Al-Futtaim Motors, exclusive distributor of Toyota, Lexus and Hino, launched its 6th blood donation campaign as part of the company’s corporate responsibility activities towards the UAE community.

The sixth wave of Al-Futtaim Motors’ “My Blood for the UAE” campaign was held at the Toyota showroom in Dubai Festival City on November 11th, in partnership with Dubai Blood Donation Centre, where a mobile blood transfusion collection unit welcomed more than 121 donors from across the Al-Futtaim Motors businesses, receiving a total sum of 54,450 ml of blood which shall save 363 lives.

“The blood we donate today can help save the life of a friend or family member, an acquaintance and even complete strangers. The Al-Futtaim Motors family strives to give back to the community, and this latest wave of our blood donation drive welcomed employees and visitors who were all eager to lend a helping hand,” said Mr. Yousuf Ali Al Raeesi, General Manager, Government Relations, Health Security, Safety and Environment at Al-Futtaim Motors.

The mobile blood transfusion collection unit welcomed Al-Futtaim Motors associates, their families and friends, as well as showroom visitors who wanted to be part of this country-wide initiative and support a worthy cause.

Blood transfusions can help save the lives of Thalassemia patients, road accident and burn victims, patients with neonates and maternity health complications, as well as cases diagnosed with cancer or scheduled for open heart operations. Regularly giving blood also means regular checking of blood pressure and haemoglobin levels, and helps prevent build-up of iron in the body over time, activates the bone marrow to produce fresh blood cells.

Blood donors should be in good health, be at least 17 years of age and up to the age of 65, and weight at least 50kg. Donors should also be free of medication and chronic health conditions such as asthma, high blood pressure or diabetes. Healthy individuals can donate blood every 90 days, up to four times per year.