Volunteer for Blood Donation

　　Japan is short of blood for transfusions now. Years ago, Japan abandoned the blood-selling system, and now is collecting blood from goodwill people. Japan adopted the blood donation system for collecting blood and set up some facilities for blood donation in the heart of middle-sized and  bigger cities. Beside the fixed spots, lots of blood donation buses collect blood by traveling all over the country.
　　As I wrote before, I belong to a Lions Club and as a part of its activities, I voluntarily joined the campaign for blood donation which was held on the campus of Ehime University, where the University festival was performed. The picture shows the bus designated for collecting blood. My job was calling for students and visitors to give blood for patients.
　　One more thing. The scene of the festival reminded me of my good old days. A stage was set up next to our site, and I could enjoy lots of performances. Though I was there as a staff member of the Japanese Red Cross, I didn't feel obligated and spent a really relaxing time.

(Vocabulary)
obliged;
be obliged to do sth  ＜…＞せざるをえない, ＜…＞しなければならない
You're not obliged to tell her anything.  彼女には何も言わなくて結構です．
obligated;
obligated to do sth  ＜…＞する義務がある, ＜…＞しなければならない
feel obligated (to do sth)  （＜…＞する）義務があると感じる

Comments

[KUMO]

Thank you for your comment, Christy!

To tell the truth, I'm scared of needles, but I felt something happy after the blood donation.

[Christy]

I recently started giving blood in October.
I've given 2 pints now, and I'm giving again on Wednesday.
My grandmother always gave blood, she has a more rare blood type that is especially needed. I just have A-, but people need that too! They tell us that every time we give blood, we essentially save two lives.
Also, when they take our blood, they test the cholesterol, blood pressure, & hematocrit levels, which is good to look at, if you are trying to lower your cholesterol and blood pressure. They have it in chart form so you can track your progress. Also we have a rewards program where you get points every time you donate and you can save up your points for things like t-shirts, mugs, etc.
It's unfortunate, but a lot of people won't want to donate here without incentive like rewards. And then there's all the people who are scared of donating because of needles, or feeling bad after losing the blood. I've asked a few of my friends and co-workers to give blood with me, but many have a reason not to. I've only gotten my sister to agree to donate, on the stipulation that I will vote in the next elections.