Promotion of honorary blood donation and recalling the function of veterans of abroad missions – that was the intent of the action held on 15 May in Legionowo. It was part of the nationwide run “In combat and blood request without sparing”, organized by territorial defence troops and the Centre of Veteran Activities outside the State Borders. The event was accompanied by many attractions.
Illustration picture
Mobile blood collection point, military and fire-fighting equipment shows, meetings with soldiers and children's attractions – this was what Friday's honorary donation run in Legionowo looked like. It was attended by soldiers of territorial defence troops, firefighters, members of the Legion HDK association and residents of the city.
Serve Society in Peacetime
The action was part of a nationwide social run "In the fight and in the request of blood without sparing", implemented by territorial defence troops, and Veteran Centre for Activities outside the State Borders. Its intent is to advance honorary blood donation and to show that the service of a soldier does not end outside the battlefield.
Colonel Wojciech Brykner commander of the 19th Nadurań Territorial Defence Brigade and veteran of PKW Afghanistan during blood donation
– Honorary blood donation fits very well into the thought of service. The territorial defence troops have been active in relief activities since the beginning of their existence, and the donation of blood is 1 of the most selfless forms of support of another man," says Chor. Robert Kowalewski, the head coordinator of HDK and veterans at WOT. – Especially it was visible during the COVID-19 pandemicWhen many people were afraid to visit medical facilities. The Territorials were very supportive of blood centres and hospitals throughout Poland at the time," he adds.
As he emphasizes, the Legionary event was 1 of over 60 specified actions organized throughout Poland. “Our main concern is to encourage residents to donate honorary blood,” says the Ensign. In actions specified as the 1 in Legion, not only the number of litres of blood collected, but besides the promotion of honorary blood donation. As the illness points out. Kowalski, even if individual is not determined to give blood, has the chance to learn more and talk to honorary donors. “Why not make a decision to join us in the future?” he encourages.
Veterans don't halt helping
The run is co-organised by the Veteran Action Centre outside the country's borders. “The thought of combining blood donation with the veterans’ environment was born a fewer years ago,” says Chor. Kowalewski, who is simply a veteran himself. Honorary blood donation is considered 1 way to show that veterans service society not only during combat activities, and heroism does not always affect spectacular actions. – Donating blood is simply a silent act of courage, which does not require uniform on the front, but the hearts ready to give part of themselves to another man," he stressed, announcing the launch of this year's campaign.
As part of the action, mobile blood collection, meetings with veterans, and exhibitions are organized for soldiers participating in abroad missions. peculiar boards present both the past of Polish military missions and the profiles of veterans, who in parallel engage in honorary donations.
The action can be joined not only during outdoor events. Blood can besides be donated in blood donation centres across the country under the heading “In combat and in need”. Donations are besides registered through the Legion HDK portal and application. The run “In combat and in request of blood without sparing” will last until 29 May and will end during the central celebrations of Veteran Day of Activities outside the State Borders in Krakow. – And already in August we are leaving with another campaign, this time connected with the anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising – announced the disease. Kowalski.
Soldiers donate blood regularly
Soldiers who regularly donate blood besides participated in the Legion’s action. 1 of them is Matthew of the WOT Command Battalion in Zegrzu. – I first donated blood about 5 years ago during the preparatory service. Later I had a fewer years off, but for about 4 years I have given it back regularly – he says. He admits that the military encouraged him to act, but besides a household example. “My dad is besides an honorary blood donor and has already given over 40 l,” he says.
Today Matthew participates in both military-organised actions and gives blood individually. – I think giving blood fits well into the thought of military service. The military helps people during natural disasters or various crises, and the honourable donation of blood is just another form of selfless help," the soldier emphasizes.
As the illness points out. Kowalewski, the interest in honorary blood donation among territorials is very large. – Even apart from authoritative actions many soldiers regularly donate blood individually, treating it as a natural component of service and assistance to others – says the coordinator.
