Members of Rytas Vilnius organization visited the National Blood Center (NKC), located in the CUP shopping center in Vilnius, where they voluntarily participated in the Together Against All campaign and became blood donors.
In the middle of the cold season, when the likelihood of injuries and other accidents increases, the capital’s club decided to dedicate the entire month of February to blood donation. Seventeen members of Rytas organization voluntarily visited the NKC at the beginning of February to contribute to this noble mission.
This is my first time; I’m a bit nervous and anxious, but I completely trust the medical staff, shared head coach Giedrius Žibėnas. I’ve heard that there is a constant shortage of blood, not just this month. It’s great to contribute, so we encourage all members of Rytas community to join this noble initiative.
The club has signed a long-term partnership with NKC, making this collaboration just the first step, as both organizations plan to hold more similar events for basketball fans in the future.
The initiative involved not only Rytas players, coaches, and administrative staff but also dancers from Rytas Dance Team.
Blood donation benefits not only the recipient but also the donor – it stimulates the renewal of blood cells, regular donors have a lower risk of vascular or heart diseases, and in the event of a severe accident with blood loss, they have a much higher chance of survival than those who do not donate, explained NKC representative Greta Burlėgaitė.
NKC goes beyond traditional blood donation: each donor can also do a doubly noble act by giving the symbolic movie ticket received for donating blood to children from disadvantaged families.
Throughout February, those who register to donate blood at the NKC locations in Vilnius – Žolyno g. 34 or Upės g. 9 (CUP) – and inform the staff that they came encouraged by Rytas Vilnius, will receive tickets to the March 2 game against Utena at the Jeep Arena upon successful donation.
During the month, updates will be regularly provided on the number of Rytas family members who have participated in the blood donation campaign. So far, 17 black, white, and red team members have committed to donating blood.
Anyone wishing to contribute to this noble cause can already register via the NKC mobile app Mano Kraujas or by visiting one of the blood center locations in person.