[3349] in Humor
Dracula aids Red Cross blood plea
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Susan)
Thu Oct 26 00:54:19 2000
To: humor@MIT.EDU
Date: Thu, 26 Oct 2000 00:53:58 -0400
From: Susan <seborn@MIT.EDU>
This is actual real-live news, not a joke, but I'm amused.
COUNT DRACULA'S last surviving descendant has been enlisted by
Germany's Red Cross to try to persuade people to give blood in an
attempt to replenish dwindling national stocks.
The count, whose full name is Ottomar Rudolphe Vlad Dracul Prince
Kretzulesco, lives in a crumbling castle on the outskirts of Berlin. He
agreed to step in to help the Red Cross after hearing a radio appeal for
more donors last week by Andrea Fischer, the German health minister.
The minister said supplies were so low that all non-urgent operations had
been put on hold, and appealed to all Germans between 18 and 68 to
donate blood or plasma to boost stocks.
A Red Cross spokesman said: "The count agreed to help us with the
campaign and is attending special showings of vampire movies for blood
donors in Berlin. All those who give blood can also have his autograph as
a thank you."
Count Dracula moved into Castle Schenkendorf, south of Berlin, seven
years ago after giving up his antiques business - and said he intended to
return it to its medieval glory. He has been funding the renovations by
hosting music evenings and vintage car rallies. He plans to hold a blood
donor session in the grounds later in the year.
"The Red Cross will get the blood that is donated at my castle party,
while I sell food and drink. It is a good partnership, although I will
draw the line at letting them put up crosses."
