Metrobriefs

Blood donation booths in malls

After receiving blood donations from schools, government agencies and organizations like the Red Cross, Quezon City health officials plan to put up blood donation booths in shopping malls to help dengue patients. Quezon City Health Office head Dr. Antonieta Inumerable said people may be more inclined to donate blood in shopping malls than in the city hall. Inumerable made the proposal to make blood-letting easier for potential donors in public spaces. She added they are in talks with executives from major malls to launch weekly blood donation drives in malls in Quezon City.—Penelope P. Endozo

Soroptimist marks 45th year

The Soroptimist International of the Philippines (SIPR), part of a worldwide organization of women in business and the professions whose mission is to improve the lives of women and girls in local communities as well as abroad, is celebrating Soroptimist Week until August 31 with several activities marking its 45 years in the country. Aug. 27: Tree-planting at La Mesa Dam; Aug. 29: Bowling tournament at E-Lanes, Greenhills, San Juan City; Aug. 31: Mass at Edsa Shrine for SIPR founder, Mariquita S. Castelo. SIPR governor Dr. Paloma B. Papa said they will also launch signature programs for 2011-12 through its 80 clubs and 2,000 members during the week, like the Women’s Opportunity Award, the Violet Richardson Award for young women and the Ruby Award for women helping other women. SIPR has been awarded by Soroptimist International of the Americas for community projects like the Adopt-a-Barangay, Adopt-a-PNP-WCPD and the Unsung Women Heroes awards for women who strive to improve the lives of women and girls in their communities.