Last week, Aliança de Misericórdia organized a voluntary blood donation campaign among its employees at the Hemonúcleo da Beneficência Portuguesa. Twelve employees participated in the initiative, which was the institution's first time and has already left a desire to do it again. 

More than a gesture of solidarity, the action sparked profound reflections on how we can give so much with so little. In fact, we can give life. For Selma Alves, Human Resources Manager at Aliança and the creator of the initiative, this was an experience of great personal and collective value.For years, I donated blood because I knew how important it was, but it wasn't until a moment of vulnerability, needing to receive four bags of blood, that I understood the value of each drop. At that moment, I stretched out my arm no longer to offer, but to receive what would save my life.”, he shared. 

Furthermore, the action has a direct impact on blood stocks, which go through a critical period during the winter. The initiative also revealed the power of joint action. "Taking a group, being together, talking, laughing, and sharing the moment... it's transformative. It's very different from just sending an email suggesting everyone go alone. The communal experience strengthens bonds and inspires new steps." reflected the manager. 

"This decision came from a very special inspiration: Selma. It was seeing her attitude, her empathy, and her care for others that truly touched me. It made me think about how many lives can be impacted by such a simple, yet so necessary, gesture. We're always rushing around, solving a thousand things, but sometimes we forget the power we have in our hands, or rather, in our blood. Literally! I donated with a full heart, thinking of people I don't even know, but who might have another day of life because of a blood bag." reported collaborator Diego Simões. 

For Marcela Lira, the experience was a process that generated gratitude: "When the idea of donating blood came up, I hesitated. But I think the attitude of someone who donates consistently is very beautiful. I remembered a previous occasion when I tried to donate for my grandmother. Even though I was prepared, I couldn't, perhaps because I was nervous. That's why I doubted it would work this time. My veins are difficult, and I feared the trip would be in vain. But I stopped to think: 'I was healthy, I had energy, and I knew my attitude could make a difference in someone's life.' Even with my fear, I decided to try."  
And I did it. Even though I had difficulty with the vein, I donated. And it was an immense joy. The feeling of contributing to someone's life overcame any discomfort. I felt profound happiness. Today, looking back on this experience, I'm even more grateful for my health. While so many people fight for their lives, I realize the value of a simple gesture like this. Donating blood is an act of hope, for both the recipient and the donor. 

And to Juliana Silvestre: “My blood donation was special because I understand that if everyone made an effort to donate, our reality would be different. I see so many brothers and sisters in hospital beds needing our "yes." As a Eucharistic Minister, I saw so many situations where only unity and charity depended on saving a life. That moment changed my perspective and opened up the range of possibilities for helping, among them, donating life, which is donating blood. 

For the Alliance, this was just the first of many initiatives aimed at increasing engagement, solidarity, and civic awareness among its employees. Because donating blood is donating life, and donating together is multiplying hope.