FF Leader calls on young people to support #NekDonate campaign
Published on: 04 February 2014
The Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin has called on young people to support a campaign aimed at turning the dangerous ‘NekNomination’ craze into a positive.
The #NekDonate campaign, launched by Ógra Fianna Fáil this week, urges young people to donate a pint of blood instead of necking a pint of alcohol.
“This is about encouraging young people to take a small step that could help save a live, instead of putting their own life at risk by engaging in this dangerous online drinking game,” said Deputy Martin.
“The entire basis of the NekNomination game is to encourage social media users to outdo each other with increasingly outrageous drinking scenarios. It has spiralled out of control with many people going to extreme lengths and putting their own safety at risk, just to up the ante.
“Social media users now have an opportunity to break this cycle and start a new, more positive trend by encouraging their peers to donate a pint of blood. We know from the NekNomination craze just how quickly messages spread quickly across social media platforms. I know there are many young people who have already said ‘no’ to NekNomination and want to spread a more positive message.
“At the moment, only 3% of the population gives blood. Over 1,000 people receive a blood transfusion every single week and one in four of us will need a transfusion at some stage in our lives. Right now the Irish Blood Transfusion Service only has enough blood supply for the next 6 – 10 days, depending on blood type.
“It’s clear from these statistics that by giving blood, you truly are making a difference. If there is anything we can do to encourage more people to give blood, it’s worth a shot. I am urging social media users to support the #NekDonate campaign and help turn a negative into a positive.”
Check if you are eligible to donate blood at: http://bit.ly/MVYgWK . Ógra Fianna Fáil will be taking its ‘Don’t neck a pint, donate a pint!’
campaign to third level institutions around the country in the coming weeks.