With a message of love and recognition for the Avilanian CDR members, Gerardo Hernández Nordelo, Hero of the Republic of Cuba and national coordinator of the Committees for the Defence of the Revolution (CDR), led the opening ceremony of the national campaign for World Voluntary Blood Donor Day, celebrated annually on 14 June, this Monday.

This was announced by Yosveny Verdian Castellano, national vice-coordinator of the organisation, who attended the ceremony held in constituency 47 of the Roberto Rivas Fraga Popular Council, in the provincial capital municipality. This area is particularly distinguished in the work of blood donation.

During the meeting, a recognition diploma was presented to the CDR, and it was announced that the province of Ciego de Ávila obtained vanguard status in the emulation for the anniversary. Additionally, Holguín and Granma were highlighted, while the special municipality of the Isle of Youth and the city of Pinar del Río received special mentions.

The moment was also opportune to honour outstanding donors. Among them were Marco Moreno Sierraalta, with 115 donations; Yamila Gaínza Acosta, who reached 90 donations; and Yaite Martínez Gaínza, recognised as one of the youngest donors in the community.

In his central remarks, the national vice-coordinator of the CDR underlined the historical importance of blood donations, linked to the figure of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro, who on 4 June 1970 donated his blood for the victims of the earthquake in Peru.