Violin Blood for All People this year coincides with the first day of school: organizer reveals what everyone is preparing

Blood donation campaign coincides with first school day this year The annual blood donation event “Vijol’čna kri za vse ljudi” (Purple Blood for All People) will take place on Tuesday, September 1st, 2026, starting at 7:30 AM and ending at 5:00 PM, followed by a second session on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026, from 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM. The event will occur at the northern side of the Ljudski vrt stadium’s Media Center in Maribor. This marks the fifteenth edition of the campaign, organized traditionally by the Red Cross Society of Maribor, the Transfusion Medicine Center of the University Medical Center Maribor, and NK Maribor. Registration is recommended but not mandatory According to organizer Mojca Pepelnik, registration is not a strict requirement for participation. “Even if you come without prior booking, the doors are open for you,” she explained. Registration helps avoid crowding, which has occasionally occurred in the past when more than a hundred people arrived simultaneously. Participants can register via two phone numbers: 041 479 242 and 041 320 796. Eligibility requirements remain unchanged Donors must be between 18 and 65 years old and in good health. It is advisable to have a light, non-fat meal before donating. These conditions have remained consistent since the campaign began. Campaign has long tradition The blood donation campaign started in 2011. Graphic design for the event has been handled by the company Aritmija d.o.o. since its inception, who also created the name and concept of the campaign. The official name “Vijol’čna kri za vse ljudi” was adopted in 2014. From 2020 onwards, due to epidemiological circumstances, mandatory registration was introduced, and the event now takes place over two days because not all registered donors can be accommodated on one day. Event becomes a space for community gathering As stated by the spokesperson, the event has become a place for social interaction. “Blood is donated in an environment that is not a hospital, and the atmosphere is completely different,” they noted. Over fourteen editions, the campaign has attracted more than 3,000 registrations, and last year saw a record number of participants. While the record for actual donations is held by 2023, the event continues to draw large crowds. What awaits blood donors? Upon arrival, donors will enter through the northern side of the stadium near Mladinska Street, left of the entrance to the Football School of Maribor. Upon entry, they will undergo a preliminary check including hemoglobin measurement, blood pressure reading, and a medical review by a doctor. Following this, the blood donation process begins. After donating, donors in the family sector of the stadium can enjoy a snack at the snack bar, where they can also sit on the stands. For many, this will be a unique experience, as the Ljudski vrt stadium is currently empty due to a court-imposed ban following incidents during a previous match. “It’s nice that we’re returning to Ljudski vrt even before the ban expires. When you come to donate blood, you can actually sit on the stadium stand and stay as long as you wish,” the spokesperson emphasized. Each donor receives a unique gift Every blood donor will receive a special gift, which is not available for purchase elsewhere. According to the organizers, this is a tradition established by Aritmija, which has included various items such as a jug, glass, basket, fabric bag, and more in previous years. Additionally, visitors will once again have the opportunity to sign an organ donation declaration after death. Mojca Pepelnik hinted that there might be some surprise this year, possibly even a visit from a current or former football player. First school day does not hinder attendance This year’s first day of the campaign coincides with the first school day. However, the organizer stressed that this should not be a reason for absence. Parents can bring their children along, and the children can stay with them throughout the event. “This allows children to learn early about the importance of blood donation. In the past, children who accompanied parents to the event later became blood donors themselves,” she explained. She also mentioned that free face painting will be available for younger visitors, which is especially appealing for the youngest attendees. These free face paintings can be found at the “Vijol’čna bajta” (Purple Corner) after the event. As the slogan “Vijol’čna kri za vse ljudi” suggests, participation is suitable for everyone, as it provides an opportunity for people to join together in giving blood, regardless of age or background.