December 25, 2009 - Christmas Party for thalassaemic children

25^th December was a ‘red cap’ day for thalassaemic children attached to the Thalassaemia Day Care Centre at Sarvodaya Hospital Samarpan Blood Bank. Most of the 80 children attached to the Centre and their parents turned up at the Jolly Gymkhana, Ghatkopar.

The venue was very colourfully decorated to convey the Christmas and festival spirit. The children were received at the entrance by the staff of the Day Care Centre. The performers among the children were taken to the ‘green room’ area for donning their costumes and grease paint. The rest of the children, with their red caps, explored the various fun and games that were available.

The stage was set for a day of entertainment. Waiting for the action to begin was the audience, which had blood donors, platelet donors, drive organizers, philanthropists and other well-wishers. A professional magician enthralled the children and the audience with his bag of tricks. This was followed by solo performances by the children, who had practiced over the fortnight for this big night. The staff of the Thalassaemia Day Care Centre and the Samarpan Blood Bank joined the children later on the floor.

The occasion was used by the Blood Bank authorities to felicitate blood donors, platelet donors, organizers and well wishers. The prime mover of the Christmas Party and the Day Care Centre, Mr Nitin Maniar anchored the Felicitation Programme. The parents and children expressed their appreciation of the efforts put in by the Day Care Centre in general and Mr. Nitin Maniar in particular. Mr. Vinay Shetty, Vice President, Think Foundation, who was the Guest of Honour, pointed out to the audience about the giant strides made by Samarpan within a mere one year of opening the Centre. He also admitted that this Centre, which provides free blood transfusions, is already being considered by people in the fraternity as the best among all Centres in the city, and a model for new Centres.

The Party wound up with a very sumptuous spread of food. All in all, a very fun-filled day for the children.

Think Foundations is grateful to Mr. Nitin Maniar and the staff of Sarvodaya Hospital Samarpan Blood Bank for showing to the city the joy that can be brought by an efficient and concerned Thalassaemia Day Care Centre.