RPL Rallies Together to Save Lives Through Blood Donation

The Royal Philanthropic Lodge No. 405 successfully hosted its 2025 Blood Drive at Temple Mount Zion, marking another proud moment in the Lodge’s enduring commitment to public service and community welfare. This initiative not only strengthened the bonds of fellowship among members but also demonstrated the enduring Masonic principle of service to humanity.

The event saw a strong turnout, with twenty persons screened, six deferred, and fourteen successful donations recorded.

Each pint of blood collected can be separated into its three vital components—red blood cells, plasma, and platelets—each serving a different medical purpose. Red cells restore oxygen in trauma or surgical cases, plasma aids burn victims and those with clotting disorders, and platelets support cancer and transplant patients. In this way, a single donation has the potential to help up to three people.

Thus, the fourteen donations received could touch as many as forty-two lives—a remarkable testament to the compassion and generosity of our brethren, families, and friends. The success of this drive underscores what can be achieved when fraternity and civic duty converge with a shared purpose.

Special thanks are extended to all who participated—those who donated blood, volunteered their time, assisted in coordination, or helped to promote and sponsor the event. Their dedication ensured the drive ran smoothly and safely, creating a welcoming atmosphere for donors and demonstrating the Lodge’s unity in service.

This blood drive forms part of a wider national initiative led by the Ministry of Health to increase the country’s annual blood reserves from the current 20,000 to 70,000 units. Recognising the importance of this cause, the Lodge has resolved to make this a biannual event, inviting Masons, their families, and friends to participate in future drives. Through consistent involvement, the fraternity aims to play a meaningful role in achieving this national target and ensuring that lifesaving blood is always available to those in need.

The event also carried a special note of remembrance and pride. From the Grand Lodge above, our late Worshipful Brother Dr. Ramesh Mathura—Haematologist, Oncologist, and former Chairman of the National Blood Bank—would undoubtedly be proud of this ongoing expression of compassion and civic responsibility, held fittingly at our own Temple Mount Zion. His life’s work in advancing medical science and promoting blood donation remains an enduring inspiration to all.

As we reflect on the day’s success, we are reminded that the act of giving blood is both simple and profound—it is a gift of life, freely given, and emblematic of the Masonic ideal of brotherly love and relief. Let us continue to uphold this tradition, uniting our efforts to serve humanity and strengthen our community.