Andorran Red Cross and MoraBanc Host Blood Drive at Bombonera Pavilion Targeting 200 Donations

A blood donation drive took place on Monday at Andorra la Vella's Toni Martí pavilion, known as the Bombonera to basketball supporters, as part of the seventh "The Play That Saves Lives" campaign. Organised by the Andorran Red Cross and MoraBanc Andorra, the event ran from midday to 8pm with a target of 200 donations to support national reserves, similar to the 206 achieved last year.

Around 30 donors arrived in the first hours, followed by a consistent stream throughout the day. MoraBanc Andorra led by example, with president Gorka Aixàs, sporting director Francesc Solana, and staff members Paco Vázquez and Chechu Bermudo among the early participants. Bank staff also joined in large numbers.

Jordi Ribes, director of the Andorran Red Cross, described the drive as the second of the year—after 436 donations at the Andorran School—and part of a wider programme aiming to exceed last year's total of roughly 1,400 donations. He praised collaboration with the Andorran Health Care Service (SAAS) and the Catalan Blood Bank, while urging more people to take part.

Health Minister Helena Mas and Secretary of State Cristina Pérez attended, completing registration forms and donating to show government support. Mas highlighted the shared responsibility for public health and citizens' generosity, noting official backing for all such drives. Aixàs expressed pride in the club's involvement, saying it served as a platform to encourage wider participation and help sustain blood supplies.

Incentives included double tickets to MoraBanc Andorra's upcoming game against Baskonia. Donor requirements cover ages 18 to 70, weight over 50kg, good health, and intervals of three to four months between donations.

Participants shared positive experiences. First-time donor David felt briefly dizzy after standing too quickly but plans to donate regularly. Regular donor Pere attends all four annual drives to help others. Long-time Red Cross volunteer Montse, with 12 years' service, noted rising turnout from 50-60 people in early campaigns to hundreds now, calling Andorrans highly solidary. Others, including Marta, Albert, and Joan, praised the act's solidarity, called for greater awareness, and commended health workers amid rising individualism.

The initiative united sport, institutions, and residents to address key public health needs.