Donors from the Apia Samoa Central Stake of the Church of Latter Day Saints strolled into the national hospital at Moto’otua yesterday to give their blood this Easter to the people of Samoa.
“The initiative aligns with the spirit of Easter,” said Jason Joseph, President of the Apia Samoa Central State. “Since Jesus Christ spilled his blood for us, we have come up with this initiative to give our blood to those who need it.”
With a high hope of giving and sharing the spirit of Easter, Mr. Joseph draws on the significance of the event.
“The issue with the hospital is that they have a hard time finding all blood types for their patients and it is the hope that we would be able to assist these people through this community service.”
According to Mr. Joseph, this is the first time Apia Samoa Central Stake has donated blood.
“It was done before in one of our churches last year but this year we want to extend it to all six wards,” he said.
Mr. Joseph who organised the event is also a regular donor for Red Cross.
“This is for everyone so we can feel the importance of the love of God as we give to those who are in need,” he said.
“As it says in the scripture, we should love one another.” Disaster Manager of Red Cross, Lemau Afamasaga, was thankful to the church for their contribution.
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“The high demand for fresh blood in terms of operations as well as deliveries has increased immensely since the beginning of last year,” said Ms. Afamasaga.
“This initiative means a lot to us and we are very appreciative towards the efforts made by the LDS church today,” she said.
In fact, she said that it is a huge help towards their preparations for the Small Island Developing States Conference hosted this year.
“This will give us supplies of blood that may be needed in case of emergencies that may occur,” said Ms. Afamasaga “Giving something that is precious to us is very hard but the initiative today is very encouraging indeed”.
She also pointed out that the initiative was also something that impressed upon them to take another step forward in terms of their awareness campaign to reach out to more donors.
“It’s not only about donating blood but also building the awareness,“ she said.
“It’s important that donors have a clear understanding of what it means to donate blood”. “One of the conditions is counselling people before they donate their blood - it’s important for conditions like this are met,” she said.
“Giving blood is giving life and a second chance to that person who is in need of blood.” Bishop Manoa of Alamagoto, a donor, was moved during the event.
“People with loving hearts is what matters the most “, he said. “It’s important to donate blood because this is life to our brothers or sisters out there who may be close to death”.
In fact, this is not the first time for Bishop Manoa to donate his blood. “I have donated my blood several times now and it makes me feel good that I am able to help someone else”, he said.
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