“The Lectouroise Association of Voluntary Blood Donors: Increasing Efforts to Attract More Donors During Drives”

On Wednesday April 12, the town hall of Lectoure hosted the general assembly of the Lectouroise Association of voluntary blood donors. In the 2022 activity report, it was established that 4 collections have been organized and the snack, appreciated by donors, has again been provided by the Amicale since the collection in May. The number of donations over the year is stable, but an increase over the last two collections in November and February 2023, gives hope for a burst of mobilization. Volunteers spare no effort to raise awareness, mobilize and communicate constantly.

Pupils from primary schools in Lectoure were welcomed to the collections, where a presentation was made to them by Gisèle Daubas. The Amicale is counting on them to pass on the message to their parents. In addition, during the November blood drive, personalized invitations were sent to all adult students at Lycée Maréchal-Lannes: about ten came to donate blood. For the next blood drive, which will take place on May 9 and 10, all adults from the two Lectourois high schools are invited: 104 in total.

Last September, the Lectouroise association of voluntary blood donors also took part in the festival of associations. A nice convivial evening of awarding diplomas and medals to blood donors took place on November 16th.

Projects abound

The 2022 financial report shows a slight voluntary deficit, while the association’s cash flow is satisfactory. The Amicale does not wish to hoard or squander the cash, but to finance projects in favor of the promotion of blood donation. In this sense, actions are planned to increase the number of donors: further improve the snack; find the right collection days and times by taking a survey; meet with the town hall to insert the display of blood drives on the so-called “lollipop” signs; circulating the mascot of the French Blood Establishment (EFS): Globulo, in the shape of a drop of blood, in the markets and at events prior to collections.

Marie-Chantal Soula, president of the UD Associations for voluntary blood donation in the Gers, thanked all the volunteers for their involvement, the warm welcome of the donors and the organization of the snack.