The funds, donated to the foundation by calling 060 9000, will also be used for the professional training of hematologists and nurses and the purchase of medical equipment for the treatment of oncology patients with blood-forming stem cells from the foundation's donor register.
A humanitarian concert was held in Zagreb's central Ban Josip Jelačić Square as part of the drive, and it brought together a large number of citizens.
Public figures were answering phone calls by citizens in the foundation's call centre, thanking them for participating in the drive.
Answering phone calls by citizens were, among others, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković, Health Minister Vili Beroš, Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević, Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman, and Science and Education Minister Radovan Fuchs.
PM Plenković said that the government would not collect VAT on donations to the Ana Rukavina Foundation, adding that his father, too, had suffered from a type of leukemia.
Health Minister Vili Beroš said that in more than 17 years of the foundation's existence, more than 63,000 persons had been registered as potential donors of hematopoietic stem cells and 168 lives in Croatia and abroad had been saved.
Former labour and pension system minister Mirando Mrsić, a hematologist and the foundation's medical director, recalled the beginnings of work on organising the register of potential donors of blood-forming stem cells and thanked everyone who has made donations to the foundation, underlining the importance of unity for the campaign.
A letter entitled "I want life" by 29-year-old Croatian reporter Ana Rukavina, who was undergoing treatment for leukemia in 2006, did not leave anyone indifferent. Her sincere appeal for help deeply moved the Croatian public. In order to help her buy expensive drugs and enable her to undergo treatment in the USA, a campaign, called "I want life", was launched, with a large number of people responding to it, however, the young woman unfortunately lost the fight for her life.
Donations to the Ana Rukavina Foundation can be made until the end of December.