When a Global Network helps in times of crisis.
A mother’s desperate cry for help in Sweden through social media led to an incredible chain reaction. Her son, who was in my daughter’s parallel class in high school, was in a terrible traffic accident in Thailand and urgently needed blood. His blood type is rare, making the situation even more critical.
Her post on Facebook was shared over 1000 times in little more than 24 hours, creating a wave of solidarity and compassion. People shared the post on their pages, tagged friends in Thailand, and posted it in various interest groups and organizations. This powerful spread reached Skål International Bangkok.
There, our member Marvin was contacted. Without hesitation, he took time out of his day to find the hospital and donate his blood to a completely unknown young Swedish man fighting for his life in a Bangkok hospital. This is pure magic!
This event is a tribute to the strength of social media—the power to share, comment, and engage interest groups and organizations to help someone in need. But above all, it is a tribute to our ability and willingness as humans to support each other, to look beyond national borders, skin colors, and cultural differences, and see the person behind.
Being part of a large international network like Skål International means much more than just “business among friends.” It means actively being able and willing to help a stranger. This willingness to help gives me hope for humanity and shows that when it really matters, we are ready to unite and support each other.
At the time of writing, we do not know the boy’s condition, and we will continue to keep our fingers crossed and send positive thoughts to give strength to the boy and his family.
A Skål International Member’s Act: Supporting the UN’s Sustainable Goals of Health, Equality, and Cooperation
This story of selfless help and international solidarity relates to several of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals:
Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – By donating blood and helping with medical needs, we support healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages.
Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities– By showing how people from different parts of the world come together to help, we work to reduce inequalities within and among countries and create more inclusive communities.
Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals – This event highlights the power of global partnerships and international networks, like Skål International, and how cooperation can help achieve sustainable development goals.
By engaging with these goals, we work together for a better and more sustainable future for everyone.
Author: Daniela Hedström
