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Let's take a look at these folks, shall we? They're the ones who've consistently extended a helping hand, whether it's their energy or their lifeblood, to assist others. That's what they're all about, according to Lehne. With the backing of the emergency services leaders, the youth Red Cross, and the water rescue service, Lehne solemnly handed out certificates to these unsung heroes.
Twenty brave souls from the Düsseldorf chapter of the German Red Cross were celebrated for their long-term voluntary service. They've been on the front lines of medical aid, disaster relief, youth mentorship, water rescue, or social welfare for a remarkable 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and even 55 years.
We also paid tribute to a recently departed volunteer, honoring their 70-year commitment in spirit. As a memorial, we observed a moment of silent reverence.
The committed blood donors were also saluted, those who've donated blood 50 times or, remarkably, 75 times. Olaf Lehne pointed out the indispensable role of regular blood donations: "Day by day in Germany, roughly 15,000 blood donations are needed to make life-saving surgeries and organ transplants possible. A single donation amounts to about half a liter of blood. So, Germany's blood supply relies on dedicated donors like you."
He did, however, stress that gatherings like this are essential to promote public engagement and blood donations, as the propensity for voluntary blood donations drops continually in Germany.
Interestingly, voluntary services in Germany are of great importance for societal development and welfare. While there's no national award for long-term voluntary service akin to employee long service awards, organizations like the Global Volunteer Recognition Program globally recognize the significance of appreciating volunteers' contributions[2]. In Germany, volunteers are usually honored with certificates or local awards.
Blood donations play a crucial role in the healthcare system, too. In Germany, such donations are fostered and celebrated by the German Red Cross and others. However, the country does not offer formal national awards for long-term blood donation. Instead, donors receive heartfelt acknowledgment and tokens of appreciation after specific milestones.
It's worth noting that long-service awards are fairly common in employment, often set out in collective agreements as significant milestones, such as every 5 years starting from a decade of service. These awards could take the form of additional monetary compensation or additional vacation days[3]. For volunteers, there's no similar regular recognition, but their efforts are certainly valued and regularly celebrated through community acknowledgment and participation, such as with the Global Volunteer Recognition Program[2].
Recognition for volunteers, including blood donors, typically comes in the form of informal community appreciation, differing significantly from the more standardized recognition of long-service awards in employment. Overall, while Germany does not have extensive long-term voluntary service awards like those for employees, these selfless contributors are cherished and recognized through various expressions of gratitude and community recognition. Blood donations hold especial significance, recognized primarily through organizational appreciation rather than formal awards.
The unsung heroes of science and health-and-wellness, the long-term blood donors, have dedicated a remarkable half a century of their lives to aid the healthcare system. Their exceptional contributions are not officially recognized with long-term awards like their counterparts in employment, but they receive heartfelt acknowledgment and tokens of appreciation after specific milestones, including fitness-and-exercise certificates for staying fit while donating blood.
