Young patients from Dubais Thalassemia Centre were recipients of 230 litres of blood as part of Empowers annual donation campaign. Now in its 7th edition, the blood donation initiative was held in collaboration with Dubai Municipality, Environmental Centre for Arab Towns, Dubai Blood Donation Centre, Dubai Health Authority and The Arab Towns Organisation.
Over 300 volunteers from Empower, employees from supporting entities, contractors and consultants donated blood to benefit children with thalassemia, a genetic condition that affects red blood cells.

Children from the Thalassemia Centre also enjoyed a day of activities as part of the campaign, which included performances from a magician, clown and a raffle draw at Empowers headquarters in Al Hudaiba Awards building.
People with serious cases of thalassemia are dependent on routine blood transfusions, so hosting a blood donation drive not only benefit patients, but also educates the public by raising awareness of this condition, said Ahmad Bin Shafar, Chief Executive Officer, Empower. Over the last seven years, we have come into contact with many bright, engaging and young thalassemia patients, so we feel that it is our duty to make this small, but significant contribution.

Thalassemia patients have lower haemoglobin levels than average, and can develop bone deformities, have low immunity levels or suffer from cardiovascular illnesses.

Globally, there is a serious shortage of voluntary blood donations, which is a serious concern for all organizations that deal with issues related to public health. Hosting an event where people can not only donate blood, but interact with thalassemia patients is a good way to educate people about this disorder and also instils a spirit of volunteerism with the general public, said Hussain Al- Fardan, Director, Environmental Centre for Arab Towns.