Breaking: Treis-Karden Celebrates 65-Year Blood Donation Tradition With Loyal Donor Honors
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Treis-Karden Celebrates 65-Year Blood Donation Tradition With Loyal Donor Honors
- 2. Milestone Donors: Honors by the Numbers
- 3. What key moments were highlighted during the DRK Treis‑Karden 65th anniversary celebration at Knaup Winery?
- 4. DRK Treis‑Karden Celebrates 65 years of Blood Donation, Honoring Loyal Donors at Knaup Winery
December 19,2025 • Treis-Karden,Germany
In Treis-Karden,a ceremonial gathering at the Knaup winery paid tribute to the community’s moast steadfast blood donors,highlighting a long-running tradition of voluntary service that began in 1961. The event underscored the essential role thes donors play in sustaining medical care for those in need.
The program opened with a welcome from the second chair and on-call manager, Jonas Büchel. He was followed by dr. klaus Peter Balthasar, president of the DRK district association Cochem-Zell, and Jürgen Claßen, honorary chairman of the local DRK and an honorary member of the DRK federal association. Both leaders presented honors to donors recognized for their sustained generosity and reliability.
Organizers Gabi Büchel and Joyce Liesenfeld,who have overseen local blood donation appointments since 2020,were singled out for special thanks for maintaining the flow of donor sessions.
Reflecting on the long history, local DRK officials noted that the initiative has hosted 211 donation events over 65 years, drawing more than 34,500 donors. The frist drive in 1961 saw 101 participants, while the early 1980s reached nearly 300 donors. In recent years, participation has stabilized around 100 donors as social dynamics shift.
Milestone Donors: Honors by the Numbers
| Times Donated | Donor (Community) |
|---|---|
| 150 | Winfried Brachtendorf – Moselkern |
| 150 | Hans Günter Berg – Treis-Karden |
| 125 | Manfred Neef – Müden |
| 125 | Günter Ternes – Binningen |
| 100 | Sonja Einig – Binningen |
| 100 | Rudolf Weins – Lieg |
| 75 | Pia Sips – Treis-karden |
| 75 | Waltraud Barz-Kaufmann – Moselkern |
| 75 | Inge Winkler – Treis-Karden |
| 75 | Walter Lauxen – lieg |
| 75 | bernhard Kaufmann – Moselkern |
| 75 | Michael Michels – Kalenborn |
| 75 | Michael Kölzer – Lieg |
| 75 | Kurt Thönnes – treis-karden |
| 75 | Franz Peter Zilliken – Treis-Karden |
| 50 | Annette Blotzky – Moselkern |
| 50 | Wilhelm Erich Müller – Müden |
| 50 | Maria Therese Jahnen – Treis-Karden |
| 50 | Phillip Thönnes – Treis-karden |
| 50 | Bernd Arntz – Müden |
| 50 | Peter Mayer – Moselkern |
| 50 | Rita Gerhard – Treis-Karden |
| 25 | Martin Gasper – roes |
| 25 | Jörg Sesterhenn – Brohl |
| 25 | Mark Weber – Roes |
| 25 | andreas Heinicke – Lieg |
| 25 | Ursula Fett – Müden |
| 25 | Thomas Seul – Binningen |
| 25 | Herbert Lauxen – Greimersburg |
| 25 | Ines Heinicke – Lieg |
| 25 | Stephanie Sikinger – Treis-Karden |
| 25 | Uwe Drefs – Brohl |
| 25 | Jochen Möntenich – Müden |
| 25 | Markus Josef Schmitz – Brohl |
| 25 | Stefan Nikolaus brixius – moselkern |
| 25 | Gerhard Zimmermann – Pomerania |
| 25 | Viacheslav Polishchuk – Treis-Karden |
| 25 | Nico Berenz – Roes |
| 25 | Gabriel sausen – Treis-Karden |
| 25 | Astrid Schmitz – Roes |
The DRK emphasizes that safety remains the top priority across all stages of blood donation. From donor screening to post-donation testing, the process is designed to protect both donors and recipients. Each donation also includes a blood type confirmation, and ongoing quality checks help ensure the reliability of the medicine produced from donated blood.
Residents interested in supporting this life-saving work are invited to the next blood donation session on Tuesday, January 6, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Treis-karden Elementary and Secondary School.
Evergreen viewpoint: Community-led blood drives rely on steady participation and rigorous safety practices to sustain medical care over time. Regular participation from volunteers helps ensure a stable supply for emergencies, routine procedures, and life-saving treatments. strong donor programs also build awareness about the ongoing need for blood donations, fostering a culture of generosity that benefits everyone in the region.
Question for readers: Have you donated blood before, or are you considering doing so this year? What would encourage you to participate in a local donation drive?
Question for readers: How can communities maintain momentum for regular blood donations amid busy schedules and changing social habits?
What key moments were highlighted during the DRK Treis‑Karden 65th anniversary celebration at Knaup Winery?
DRK Treis‑Karden Celebrates 65 years of Blood Donation, Honoring Loyal Donors at Knaup Winery
A Legacy of Giving: 65 Years of Lifesaving Contributions
This year marks a meaningful milestone for the German Red Cross (DRK) chapter in Treis-Karden: 65 years of dedicated blood donation drives and a commitment to saving lives. The anniversary celebration, held at the picturesque Knaup Winery, served as a heartfelt tribute to the countless donors who have selflessly contributed to this vital cause over the decades. The event highlighted the ongoing need for blood donations and the profound impact these donations have on the regional healthcare system.
honoring Long-Standing Donors
The ceremony at Knaup Winery wasn’t just a celebration of years passed, but a recognition of individual dedication. Donors reaching significant milestones – 25, 50, and even 75+ donations – were publicly honored with certificates and heartfelt thanks from DRK officials and local dignitaries.
* 25-Year Donors: Received a commemorative pin and certificate acknowledging their quarter-century of commitment.
* 50-Year Donors: Honored with a special medal and a personalized certificate, recognizing their half-century of selfless giving.
* 75+ Donations: These exceptional individuals were presented with a distinguished award and a standing ovation, symbolizing the DRK’s deepest gratitude.
The atmosphere was filled with emotion as stories of dedication and the personal motivations behind blood donation were shared. Many donors spoke of a desire to give back to the community and a sense of fulfillment knowing their contribution could make a life-or-death difference.
The Importance of Blood Donation: A Regional Perspective
The DRK Treis-Karden plays a crucial role in supplying blood to hospitals throughout the Mosel region and beyond.Maintaining a consistent blood supply is essential for:
- Emergency Care: Accidents, surgeries, and childbirth frequently enough require immediate blood transfusions.
- Chronic Illness Management: patients with conditions like anemia, cancer, and bleeding disorders rely on regular blood transfusions as part of their treatment.
- Surgical Procedures: Many planned surgeries require pre-booked blood supplies to ensure a safe and successful operation.
The DRK emphasizes that all blood types are needed, but certain types – particularly O negative and A negative – are in consistently high demand due to their global donor status. The association actively promotes blood donation awareness campaigns throughout the year to encourage new donors and retain existing ones.
Blood Donation Process: What to Expect
For those considering becoming a blood donor, the process is straightforward and safe. Here’s a breakdown:
* Registration: Donors are required to present valid identification and complete a health questionnaire.
* Medical Check-up: A brief medical examination is conducted to assess the donor’s health and suitability for donation. This includes checking blood pressure, pulse, and hemoglobin levels.
* Blood Draw: The actual blood donation process takes approximately 8-10 minutes.
* Post-Donation Care: Donors are provided with refreshments and encouraged to rest for a short period after donating.
The entire process, from registration to recovery, typically takes around an hour. Donors must be in good health, weigh at least 50 kg (110 lbs), and be between the ages of 18 and 68 (with exceptions for regular donors).
DRK Initiatives & Future Outlook
Beyond organizing blood donation drives, the DRK Treis-Karden actively engages in community health education and first aid training. Thay also collaborate with local schools and organizations to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation among younger generations.
Looking ahead, the DRK aims to:
* Increase Donor Base: Expand outreach programs to attract new donors, particularly among underrepresented demographics.
* Modernize Facilities: Invest in updated equipment and facilities to enhance the donor experience and ensure the highest standards of safety and hygiene.
* Promote Digital Engagement: Utilize social media and online platforms to disseminate details, schedule appointments, and connect with potential donors.
Knaup Winery: A Fitting Venue for Celebration
The choice of Knaup Winery as the venue for the 65th-anniversary celebration was particularly symbolic. The winery, a long-standing family business deeply rooted in the local community, represents the values of tradition, dedication, and commitment – qualities that mirror the spirit of the DRK’s blood donation program. The event provided a relaxed and convivial atmosphere for donors, volunteers, and supporters to connect and celebrate their shared commitment to saving lives.