St. Joseph’s OBU, St. Bridget’s PPA unite: Blood donation organised in great compassion

 Members of St. Joseph’s OBU and St. Bridget’s PPA

“Helping those in need has always been our priority, and what better act of kindness than saving a life? Coincidentally, this event fell on the fourth Sunday of Lent Rejoice Sunday, which makes it even more special, as we are sharing this joy with someone in need”- Priyanga Perera, Senior Vice President, St. Joseph’s College OBU

“This is the first collaboration with our brother school for a project of this nature, which has a positive impact on the community. Many past presidents and members have attended, and although some may not fall within the eligible age category to donate, they are still here to show their support”- Dilani Yatawaka, President of the Past Pupils Association, St. Bridget’s Convent

A Blood Donation Campaign organised by the Old Boys’ Union of St. Joseph’s College, in collaboration with the Past Pupils’ Association of St. Bridget’s Convent, was held on March 15 at the premises of the school in Colombo 10. The campaign brought together members of both institutions and well-wishers who generously contributed to this humanitarian effort, to help save lives across the nation. 

This joint community service initiative between two leading Catholic schools in Colombo was conducted during the season of Lent, a time devoted to prayer, spiritual reflection and charity. Held under the theme ‘Give Blood, Give Hope, Give Life,’ the blood donation drive reflects core Catholic virtues of sacrifice, compassion, and selfless service.   

Registrations commenced at 9.30 a.m., after which donors were guided to a hall, dedicated to this cause, where medical personnel from the National Blood Transfusion Service of Sri Lanka carried out the necessary procedures. Their expertise and professional support ensured that the campaign was carried out smoothly.

The Principal of St. Bridget’s Convent, Rev. Sr. Sujani Fernando remarked, “This is the first time we are uniting with our brother school for such a social welfare project. It is an act of kindness during this sacred season. We are here for the people and always strive to serve those in need, as this is an integral part of our faith and the values of education we instill in our students.”  Priyanga Perera, the Senior Vice President of the OBU of St. Joseph’s College, spoke about how the significance of Lent inspired this project: “Helping those in need has always been our priority, and what better act of kindness than saving a life? Coincidentally, this event fell on the fourth Sunday of Lent, Rejoice Sunday, which makes it even more special, as we are sharing this joy with someone in need. It is truly a blessing in disguise, part of God’s plan, I believe.” 

Perera mentioned that they previously organised a flood relief programme for victims, including affected staff members and that they are currently undertaking a project to colourwash a school in Chilaw and donate books to a school in Mannar. “We have many upcoming social service projects and hope to collaborate with our sister school in the future as well,” he concluded. Dilani Yatawaka, President of the Past Pupils Association of St. Bridget’s Convent, commented, “This joint initiative is important for both schools as we are celebrating significant milestones. While we are marking 125 years, St. Joseph’s College is celebrating its 130th anniversary. This is the first collaboration with our brother school for a project of this nature, which has a positive impact on the community. Many past presidents and members have attended, and although some may not fall within the eligible age category to donate, they are still here to show their support.”

The campaign received an optimistic response from both schools, together with their friends, family members, and even personnel from the Air Force, all coming forward to contribute to this humanitarian cause. The organizers extended their heartfelt gratitude to all volunteers, whose generosity ensured the success of the project. 

 A Blood Donation Campaign organised by the Old Boys’ Union of St. Joseph’s College, in collaboration with the Past Pupils’ Association of St. Bridget’s Convent, was held on March 15 at the premises of the school in Colombo 10. The picture shows nurses from the National Blood Transfusion Service assisting the donors (Pics by Kushan Pathiraja)