In a month when blood supplies are low at blood banks, Flamengo concludes its National Red-Black Blood Campaign this Friday, August 21st. The initiative, supported by the Ministry of Health and the Rio de Janeiro City Hall, was launched on August 15th and has been attracting hundreds of fans to blood banks across the country. In Rio de Janeiro, several blood donation centers will be serving Flamengo fans until late afternoon, especially HemoRio, in the city center (Rua Frei Caneca, 8).

To help promote the campaign, midfielder Toró and former stars like Adílio and Julio Cesar, Uri Geller, and two of Flamengo's Masters standouts, Gilmar Popoca, Renato Carioca, and others, were present. Dancer Gracy Kelly, known as Mulher Maçã, also attended the event.

While recovering from a fractured right foot, Tóró said he enjoys showing solidarity off the field. "Our wonderful fans, who always give their all for the club, have to show up and give their all for those in need," commented the player, who believes he can return to training in another two or three weeks. "It's sad because I was having a good time, but I hope to be back soon to help the team."

For Julio Cesar, also known as Uri Geller, Flamengo's left winger on the famous team that won the 1980 Brazilian championship, it's a pleasure to participate in campaigns like this. "This team donated blood for Flamengo, and now we're here, continuing it. This combination of blood, Flamengo, and life seems synonymous."

Adílio, another star from the famous generation that shone with the Sacred Mantle in the 80s, agrees. "We, Flamengo fans, know that we must always be aware of the need to donate blood. Life shows you every day that we Brazilians, especially, must make a personal commitment to supporting others. Donating blood is very important for all of us."

Wearing a Flamengo jersey under her vest, HemoRio blood collector Ana Cristina dos Santos was doubly happy after posing for photos with some of her idols. "We're happy because we're helping HemoRio patients and meeting the blood demand. I urge all fans to come, including fans from other clubs."

According to Neusimar Carvalho, head of the blood donation promotion department at HemoRio, the campaign motivates Flamengo fans and other fan clubs to show solidarity. "We are incredibly grateful to the Flamengo fans and the participation of Toró and the Masters team, who came here to donate their images to support the campaign. All the patients who are requiring a blood transfusion are grateful."

According to her, after the blood is collected, it is fractionated and can help up to five people." The reduction in the number of donors reaches 50% in times like these, says Neusimar.

The public, he explains, need not be afraid of swine flu. "Donating blood will not bring any benefits related to swine flu. We do everything with the utmost care, for both the donor and the recipient," he assured.

(From the Flamengo official website team)