Andorran Red Cross and Basketball Club Launch 7th Blood Donation Drive

The Andorran Red Cross and MoraBanc Andorra Basketball Club launched the seventh edition of their blood donation campaign, "La jugada que suma vides," on Monday at the club's offices. The event is scheduled for 23 March at the Toni Martí Pavilion in Andorra la Vella, running from noon to 8pm.

Organisers called on residents to spare 30 minutes to bolster blood stocks, stressing the constant demand. Red Cross secretary general Joan Saurí noted that around 1,000 bags are needed daily, with reserves typically between 4,000 and 7,000—enough for about a week but at risk from sudden surges. The drive aims for 1,500 effective donations yearly, including fresh donors. Last year, 206 people attended, yielding 177 donations and 24 newcomers. As of the launch, 25 had pre-registered via QR codes on posters or links on partners' sites and social media. Saurí welcomed walk-ins, saying slots could accommodate roughly 20% no-shows or disqualifications.

Natalia De Felipe, the club's corporate social responsibility and protocol manager, described donors as the real heroes and praised sport's role in promoting unity. All participants will get double tickets to the 29 March home game against Baskonia at 5pm. Saurí highlighted the venue's draw, adding that people "cannot always be right at the foot of the arena." State Secretary for Youth and Sport Alain Cabanes, speaking for government backing with SAAS and the Blood and Tissue Bank, called the pavilion's central spot ideal and confirmed emails to sports federations to boost attendance.

Due to public works at Prada Motxilla and Baixada del Molí, entry will be via the lower door near Casal de Govern, with volunteers directing visitors; details will appear on Red Cross channels.

Eligibility covers ages 18-70, over 50kg, good health, and three-month gaps—up to four donations yearly for men, three for women. An online form allows pre-event health checks.

Stands will promote bone marrow and cornea donations to raise broader awareness, with backers hoping to make this Andorra's leading national effort.