Media Release
Dubai, May 22: Fortune Group of Hotels - A Praveen Shetty Enterprise organized a blood donation drive on Monday May 22 at Dubai Grand Hotel by Fortune, Al Qusais, Dubai. The event was graced by Tanveer Sait, minister of primary and secondary education, minority welfare and Wakf, Karnataka government.
The blood donation drive aimed at spreading awareness amongst the community on the importance of blood donation and how a drop of blood donated can be instrumental in saving life. It is necessary for the global community to engage more and more in community service, especially when many people across the world succumb due to lack of blood supply during surgery.
The drive, hosted for the third year in a row, is an annual event hosted by the hotel group in commemoration of the wedding anniversary of Sarojini and Narayan Shetty, the proud parents of Praveen Shetty, chairman, Fortune Group of Hotels, this year being their 52nd wedding anniversary.
This year, Tanveer Sait, minister for primary and secondary education, minority welfare and Wakf, Karnataka government was the chief guest and attended the event with his better half.
Praveen Shetty, chairman, Fortune Group of Hotels warmly welcomed the minister and his wife, and also honoured him with a traditional shawl and memento as a souvenir. In his address, he thanked the executive committee members of Karnataka NRI Forum, his friends, well-wishers and the Fortune staff members for coming in large numbers and making this blood donation camp successful.
He also said, "In UAE, this year has been declared as the "year of giving" by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. We are very proud to be a part of this drive for giving the best gift that any human can to save another life."
Tanveer Sait while addressing the august gathering said, "Blood donation will cost you nothing but it will save a life. If you are a blood donor, you are a hero to someone, somewhere, who received your gracious gift of life." He reiterated how important is to contribute back to the society.
He appreciated the efforts of Praveen Shetty and his hotel staff for this great initiative. He also wished the proud parents on the joyous occasion and thanked them for giving to society "Praveen Shetty - a gem" who has been tirelessly working towards the betterment of society.
Fortune Group of Hotels also recognized the efforts of Bala Krishna who has been instrumental in organizing blood donation camps for the Karnataka community, not only in Dubai but all across UAE in the past. Minister honoured him with a garland and a traditional shawl.
Fortune team also remembered the Air India Express flight 812 fatal crash in Mangaluru, which occured on May 22, 2010. A minute's silence and prayer for the souls of deceased to rest in peace was offered.
Praveen Shetty in his word of thanks, said "The finest gesture one can make is to save life by donating blood. The blood you donate gives someone another chance at life. One day that someone may be a close relative, a friend, a loved one - or even you." He thanked the efforts of all involved in organizing the event, blood donors and the team of doctors, nurses and staff from Sharjah Blood Transfusion & Research Centre, ministry of health.
The doctors from MOH were very pleased to see the attendance and thanked the Fortune team for the overwhelming response and giving the gift of life.