Kindness Blood Donation Team: What started as a modest awareness campaign by some Indian expats in 2015 has now turned into a campaign of compassion that has made a difference in over 25000 lives. In the context of the World Blood Donor Day 2025, Kindness Blood Donation Team of Dubai is being celebrated to complete a decade of its devoted services in propagating the cause of voluntary blood donation in the city.
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From a WhatsApp Group to a Lifesaving Force
The team is headed by Shihab Theruvath, Anwar Wayanad and Salam Kanyappady, who embeded the idea of making blood donation more convenient. The three found that a lot of residents were ready to donate but did not know where, when and how.
Shihab, who is in the health sector in Dubai, said: “We used to feel that there must be an easy way of allowing people who wish to donate to at least have that opportunity.”
The team started to mobilize donors and organize convenient mobile donation drives in different areas of Dubai through a network of location-based WhatsApp groups. The strategy of focusing on the neighborhoods and schedules of people easily found its momentum.
Volunteers from All Walks of Life
The Kindness Team consists now of more than two dozens of regular volunteers who represent various walks of life graphic designers, drivers, office workers, and entrepreneurs, but who share one and a half messages: One drop of blood can save a life.
Some of the active members include Dibeesh Nalappadam Gangaadharan, Vaisakh Suresh Nambiar, Ramshood Chettumkuzhi, and Suhail Kopa among others whose contribution has enabled more than 250 donation campaigns over the past decade.
Standing Tall During the Pandemic
The Kindness Team did not back down when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and blood reserves became low because of lockdowns and fear. They have conducted well-regulated blood donation drives in association with Dubai Blood Donation Centre and Dubai KMCC Kasargod District Committee and replenished the blood supply at a time when the city required it the most. It was frightening, Salam remembered, “and it was a period when we witnessed the most humane side of human nature.”
Giving Hope on World Blood Donor Day
In celebration of World Blood Donor Day 2025, the team organized a youth-led blood donation drive with the slogan “Give Blood, Give Hope: Together We Save Lives.” Student volunteers, many of whom donated blood for the first time, helped inspire a new generation of lifesavers.
The drive was organized in cooperation with Dubai Health and included young blood donation ambassadors, reminding people of the need to donate frequently and conscientiously.
Anwar Wayanad said it is not about a single event. “We urge individuals to donate at any time of the year; during birthdays, anniversaries and even because they feel they can.”
Recognized, Appreciated and Respected
The Kindness Team is an award-winning group that the Dubai Health Authority has celebrated several times. The group also facilitates platelet and red cell donations, benefiting individuals receiving treatment of cancer, surgeries, and treatment of chronic diseases.
Shihab said: “We would like to express our gratitude to the Dubai Blood Donation Centre and its trust and support.” “And, last but not least, we are grateful to all the donors who came forward- particularly in very difficult moments.”
Necessary Things To Know Before Donating
When you feel inspired to make a donation, there are a couple of things you need to know:
- Donors should be between 18 to 65 years of age and have a minimum weight of 50 kg (65 kg when under 21).
- Donors should feel well and have had a healthy meal and slept at least four hours.
- It is obligatory to have a valid Emirates ID.
- Women who are pregnant or breast feeding are not supposed to donate.
- Temporary or permanent disqualification can come by traveling to malaria prone areas, recent surgeries or certain medical histories.
Why Blood Donation Matters
The world health organization (WHO) says that a single unit of donated blood may save the lives of up to three people since the unit can be divided into red cells, plasma, and platelets, which have distinct medical applications, in trauma care, in the treatment of cancer, and so on. During the World Blood Donor Day, which is marked every year on June 14, the global community thanks those who donate blood selflessly and emphasizes the importance of safe systems of voluntary blood donation.
Salam said, “Blood donation is the most pure kind of giving.” It is because you do not know the recipient, and you save his or her life. To everyone who felt inspired to donate, the Kindness Team challenges you to contact them and be part of the mission. Since each time you donate your blood you are not giving a unit only, but you are giving hope.