Mangalore: In a heartfelt tribute to the late Alwyn Jerome Fernandes, a blood donation and health check-up camp was jointly organised on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the Cenacle, Milagres Church, Mangalore. The event was a collaborative effort by the Catholic Sabha, Our Lady of Miracles, Milagres Church Unit; Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) Milagres; Indian Red Cross Blood Centre; Youth Red Cross Unit; NSS Unit; Sociology Economics Forum (School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya (Autonomous); St. Aloysius (Deemed to be University); and Milagres College of Nursing.
The camp was inaugurated with a symbolic act watering a plant to underscore the life-giving significance of blood donation. The Chief Guest for the inaugural ceremony was Rev. Fr. Bonaventure Nazareth, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Milagres Church, who lauded the collective initiative as a “noble cause” that embodies compassion and community service.
Valerian D’Souza, Convenor of the Catholic Sabha, Milagres Unit, welcomed the gathering, while Stephen Rajesh Monterio, Secretary of the Catholic Sabha, proposed the vote of thanks.
Dignitaries present at the inauguration included David Pereria, President of the Catholic Sabha; Dr. Kiran Prasad B., Coordinator of the Sociology and Economics Forum; Dr. Prashanth Bhat, NSS Programme Officer from the School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya; Dr. Anusuya Kamath, Youth Red Cross Nodal Officer from the School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya; Dr. Diana Lobo, Principal of Milagres College of Nursing; and Dickson D’Souza , Vice President of the Milagres Church Parish Council.
In his address, Rev. Fr. Bonaventure Nazareth expressed deep appreciation for the unity displayed by various institutions, emphasizing that such initiatives not only save lives but also strengthen social bonds rooted in empathy and shared responsibility.
The day-long camp saw enthusiastic participation from students, faculty, parishioners, and members of the public, with dozens of units of blood collected and numerous individuals availing free health screenings. Organisers described the event as both a fitting memorial to the late Alwyn Jerome Fernandes and a powerful demonstration of civic-minded collaboration in service to humanity.