Dunant8217;s anniversary

VADODARA, May 6: The Vadodara unit of the Indian Red Cross Society has planned a number of programmes, including a blood donation camp, to mark the birth anniversary of society founder Henri Dunant on May 8.

Addressing reporters here on Thursday, society secretary A K Vaishnav said the blood donation camp would be held on May 16 at the society building, opposite Police Parade Ground, Raopura phone 413382 at 9 am. He appealed to volunteers to enlist their names prior to the date. He said society members will hold a training camp for volunteers for disaster or crisis management in July, adding functions in slum areas and distribution of clothes to the poor will also be taken up, besides the society8217;s regular programmes.

He said the society also ran a free clinic for children at the society building on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, a free clinic for mentally-ill on every Thursday morning, a clinic for those suffering from skin diseases on Fridays, a clinic for women everyday between 1 and 3 pm and regularly distributed spectacles to students and elderly citizens free of charge. The society also organises health camps for the poor besides various activities to spread awareness on different issues, including health, he said. He also briefed the gathering about the society8217;s joint ventures with other social fora in the context.