Director’s Message
DIS Blood Drive 2018, is a student led initiative, one which inspires our school community to not only consider others less fortunate, but to take positive action.
In the year of Zayed, when our school community strives to work together to contribute to fulfill the vision of Zayed, the DIS Blood Drive gives us all the opportunity, as true citizens, to shape our nation. In reflecting on the fact that one unit of donated blood can save three lives, we are reminded that each and every one of us has the power to make a difference.
“The UAE prioritises building human capacity and nurturing across the country, for a citizen is the true wealth of the nation”. – Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
Huge thanks to our student leaders for their vision and diligence in organising the event and to Dr. Sadaf and the DIS Health Office team for their stewardship and support.
Hoping that parents, students aged 17 and above, staff, our local and the wider Dubai community will participate in making this our fifth and best ever DIS Blood Drive.
Ruth Burke
Director – Deira International School
Student Message - November 2018
Honouring the Martyrs:
As the martyrs have given their lives to save and serve this nation, our goal is to pay our respect and honour their memory by helping those in need. We have chosen to do this is by donating blood to all those in need in the UAE. This not only has a positive impact for those in need right now, but also sets the precedent for the younger generations as this initiative carries on. Personally, this is the closest I have ever gotten to directly aiding to save a live, which matters so much to me and the rest of the DIS Blood Drive team, which is why it warms our hearts when we welcome donors that are excited to be supporting this initiative.
- Layan Hanoon (Palestine)
Saving Lives:
Throughout my childhood, I believed that the only way lives were saved was through professional care and treatment from a doctor. But as I grew older and more mature, I realised there were many ways to aid in the improvement someone’s wellbeing. Raising awareness for cancer treatment, diabetes and now this initiative - I realised I am capable of more than I ever imagined. This made me think of the quote “Heroes are ordinary people who make themselves extraordinary”, and believing that we are able to achieve that extraordinary for a better world!
- Emad Madkour (Egypt)
Giving back to Society:
“Maybe I couldn’t help everyone survive, but I could, at least, save this one life.” - Tiana Warner. The DIS annual blood drive has been changing my views and perspectives about how to save lives. The need for blood is constant and it is vital that we have regular donations, in order to make a significant difference to the people who are in critical need. Hence, as a community, we can help and gain that sense of accomplishment, through donating one pint of blood you can save three lives. So, what are you waiting for? Be a part of this life changing gregarious act and give back to the community.
- Aman Ahlani (India)
Unity and Inclusivity:
"Past years have emphasized the importance of unity as a vital necessity for providing a better life to the people, for ensuring stability in the country and for realizing the hopes and aspirations of our people." - Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It is important to realise that no matter our race, religion or gender we are all the same on the inside. Being able to unite together, especially because of our diversity, for the betterment of others is a truly selfless quality we should all possess. Personally, learning the imminent need for blood in hospitals has inspired me to raise awareness and spread the message of the blood drive. I believe the DIS Blood Drive is important and something we should all partake in if possible.
- Noor Imran (Pakistan)
Who We Support
We are three IB Diploma students from Deira International School who are inspired to help our community. We initially planned a Blood Donation Drive. However, our whole perspective changed after having our first meeting at Latifa Hospital’s Thalassemia Centre. We were deeply moved and motivated to support the Thalassemia Centre by donating blood, organizing a blood donation drive to show our support for the Thalassemia Centre. Our aim is to increase awareness of this genetic disorder and the plight of the patients and their families.
We do not have to be doctors to save lives or to make a positive change. We consider it our duty to make a difference – “without prejudice and without jeopardizing another life”. Please support our cause by stepping forward either as a blood donor and support our initiative.
Humanity is the key to a better place.
Shamsa, Khalid and Mohammed
Our Partners
Dubai Blood Donation Centre (DBDC)
DBDC at Latifa hospital is the central blood bank of the Dubai Health Authority. It is the provider of blood and blood products for transfusion to all DHA hospitals, Thalassemia Centre, Trauma Centre and several private hospitals.
DBDC staff shall be onsite for the duration of the campaign and shall be performing all the collections.
Thalassemia Centre
Thalassemia Centre is based at Latifa Hospital, it consists of a day care unit, outpatient clinics in addition to well established social and outreach services:
Day care unit has 28 beds for those patients who require blood transfusions.
Outpatient Clinics: are utilized for effective screening, counseling and continuous medical care for patients with Thalassemia and other haemoglobinopathies.