Red and Black Blood Donation: Nice mobilizes to save lives

From May 4 to 7, 2026, Place Masséna will transform into a place of solidarity and commitment on the occasion of the 19th edition of the “Red and Black Blood Donation” collection. Organized in Nice, this large-scale operation aims to mobilize residents around a simple but essential gesture: blood donation.

An exceptional collection in the heart of the city

For four days from 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Place Masséna transforms into a genuine space of solidarity. Organized by the City of Nice, the Regional Union for Voluntary Blood Donation in the Alpes-Maritimes, the OGC Nice club and the French Blood Establishment, this collection aims to welcome up to 550 donors.

The objective is clear: to meet daily needs for blood products. Every day, health facilities require donations to care for numerous patients, whether for surgical procedures, chronic illnesses or life-threatening emergencies. In France, needs are constant and never stop, making this type of initiative even more essential.

An awareness action around donation

Beyond blood collection, the event emphasizes information and education. A reception point will allow participants to better understand the issues surrounding donation, while a challenge around plasma donation will be offered. Still little-known, this type of donation is nonetheless essential for the manufacture of medicines and deserves to be better promoted.

This approach aims to encourage lasting commitment and to introduce donors to different ways to contribute. By informing and supporting participants, organizers hope to build loyalty among new donors in the long term.

A collective and committed mobilization

The event is based on strong involvement of local stakeholders. OGC Nice mobilizes its entire ecosystem: young people from the training center, players from the women’s team, former players and employees will be present to donate their blood and interact with the public.

Students from Nice Côte d’Azur University, involved in the “Engagement Center” program, as well as the HumaNice association, will also participate in the operation. Volunteers and local associations will support donors throughout their journey, guaranteeing a warm and reassuring welcome.

The Civil Protection will also offer free first aid training, thereby broadening the civic dimension of the event and raising public awareness of emergency situations.

At the previous edition, the event had already met with great success. It had welcomed 655 volunteers, for 519 donations collected. Among them, 243 people made their first donation, representing nearly 40% of participants. These figures confirm the operation’s ability to mobilize new donors and to strengthen civic engagement in the long term.

A solidarity meeting, but also a friendly one

Supported by the City of Nice and the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis, this operation benefits from significant logistics and wide visibility among residents. After their donation, participants will be able to enjoy complimentary refreshments, a moment of conviviality allowing them to regain strength in a warm atmosphere.

While this collection is a highlight, organizers remind us that blood donation is necessary throughout the year. In Nice, the donation center regularly welcomes volunteers by appointment for blood, plasma and platelet donations.

With this 19th edition of “Red and Black Blood Donation,” Nice confirms its commitment to solidarity and public health. More than a simple gesture, giving blood is an essential act of solidarity: in just a few minutes, everyone can help save lives and assist patients in need. A mobilization within everyone’s reach, and more necessary than ever!