In Kokkola, a chamber orchestra played during blood donation
In the Finnish city of Kokkola, the Central Ostrobothnia Chamber Orchestra performed during a blood donation event. As YLE News reports, the musicians played for donors at the parish house in the Kaarlela district, including Emilia Lepola, who was donating blood for the first time.
Lepola said that a colleague had invited her to donate. The orchestra's performance came as a surprise to her and, she said, helped reduce her anxiety. After her first experience, she said she was ready to come for the procedure again.
Music for donors
The Central Ostrobothnia Chamber Orchestra proposed the initiative to hold performances during blood donation to the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service. The ensemble plans to perform at donor events in Kokkola three times during the autumn; the first concert took place on Thursday.
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The programme included about 20 pieces, including compositions by Mozart, Grieg and Niittikoski. Teija Pääkkönen, leader of the second violin section, said that light and cheerful music, as well as calmer compositions, had been selected for the event.
Need for new donors
Every year, approximately 110,000 people donate blood in Finland, while the total number of donations is about 170,000, as some donors do so repeatedly. The country needs approximately 600 donors every weekday.
Willi Toiviainen, director of communications and personnel at the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, said that in 2025, just under 19,000 people became new donors, compared with a target of 22,000. According to him, encouragement from another person is the most important way to attract new donors. The service also cooperates with garrisons, educational institutions, sports clubs and cultural institutions.
