Ponty Chadha Foundation & Wave Estate come to the aid of children with Thalassemia
Mohali: Ponty Chadha Foundation (PCF), the CSR wing of the Wave Group along with Wave Estate – one of India’s largest premium housing societies located in Mohali – organized a blood donation camp at its premise on June 25. The camp was arranged in association with Thalassemic Charitable Trust, a healthcare unit under the aegis of PGIMER (Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research) and aimed at helping Thalassemic Children Welfare Association (TCWA). A total of 50 units of blood were collected from resident volunteers at the camp.
Blood banks have been running dry facing the brunt of lockdown due to the ongoing pandemic situation. The vaccination drive of the age group who incidentally form the majority of the population volunteering for blood donation has compounded the scarcity of blood in the blood banks. This has posed a major challenge to the regular blood transfusion needs of Thalassemia patients, especially children.
Speaking on the occasion, H S Kandhari, CEO – Ponty Chadha Foundation & Director – Wave Estate, said, “The ongoing pandemic has put immense pressure on blood banks, which are unable to cope with the surge in demand. While there has been an immense focus on other healthcare requirements triggered by the pandemic, the non-availability of blood has made the situation severe for Thalassemia patients, especially kids. PCF has always been undertaking a holistic approach towards mitigating the crisis posed by Covid and this camp is one such step to extend all the help possible to the affected lot. It is heart-warming to see our residents, staffs and associates volunteering for this cause and supporting us in this endeavor. Seeing such positive response we have decided to continue this initiative and hold blood donation camps periodically for our kids at Thalassemic Children Welfare Association.”
Keeping the safety of volunteers and residents in mind, the camp followed all Covid protocols mandated by the government. The entire area was sanitized and social distancing norms were followed strictly. Meanwhile, the organizers also took this opportunity to educate the residents about Thalassemia and its healthcare needs.