*Donating Blood Is Holy Act

*Welcome remarks of Dr. Cynthia Dela Cruz given during the Aklan Sandugo Awarding Program in Commemoration of Blood Donors Month held on July 31, 2013 at Nenette’s Garden, Andagao, Kalibo, Aklan. Dr. Dela Cruz, chairs the Blood Service Committee of PRC, Aklan chapter.

Giving one’s life for others is not only noble, but a holy act. Just that our Lord Jesus gave up His life for us. So giving up a part of us, our blood in a way is giving the gift of life.  Donating our blood is making us not only heroes. But is making us closely holy, or nearly saints.

 
Good morning to our honored guests. Hon. Emmanuel Soviet Dela Cruz, my cousin. Mayor Lulu, our chairman, Sir Kel, other board of directors members, other guests, blood donors, awardees and advocates.

 
This month, July, we are celebrating world blood donors. Today, is our Sandugo awarding, we are giving appreciation to those who shared a part of themselves so others may regain their good health and be productive, so that others may survive and live longer. In short, we are giving honor to our modern day heroes and near saints.

 
Today, we have 26 national awardees in our Province of Aklan.  I hope that their act will inspire other young and healthy people out there to do the same act of heroism by donating their precious blood.

 
On behalf of the officers and Board of Directors, Philippine Red Cross, Aklan Chapter, and the government of Aklan I welcome you all to this occasion.

 
To all there who can donate blood, please do, do that noble and holy act of blood donating. For some like us, not so young, not so healthy, we will continue to support and advocate this activity for the good of our people and our community. 

 
Lastly, I like to share with you this beautiful prayer of generosity:

 
Lord, teach us to be generous;
Teach us to serve others and You as You deserved;
Teach us to give a part of us without counting the cost;
To fight without heeding the wound;
To toil and not asking rest;
To labor and not seeking reward;
Except to knowing and doing Your holy will.
Amen.

 
Again, good morning everyone. And welcome.
MABUHAY Red Cross volunteers! Always ready, always first, always there. /MP