Interior Minister Nicos Nouris on Friday called on the public to become members of the large family of blood donors to support the work of the Cyprus Red Cross.

“Blood donation is the greatest gift which can be offered by a person to their fellow humans, as it cannot be bought, it cannot be created and there is no substitute,” he said.

Launching the charity’s annual fund raising drive, he praised the tireless work of volunteers who uphold the values of solidarity and charity, making particular mention of the efforts made at the Pournara reception centre and others.

He also announced that €5,000 had been approved by the president as a donation to the Red Cross, building on the €50,000 recently approved by the cabinet.

He further called on everyone to do their part to assist the organisation’s efforts, particularly as the pandemic has impacted the group’s operations.

The Red Cross will work to collect donations until May 28.