Media Release Vibrant Blood Donation Drive 2009

Vibrant Blood Drive 2009 a success

SINGAPORE, 17 May 2009 – Vibrant Blood Drive 2009 saw throngs of youths aged 16 to 25 gathering at Dhoby Gaut NEL Station to give blood for a good cause.

The Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Chapter of the Red Cross Humanitarian Network (RCHN) organised this two-day blood donation drive, held over the weekend from 16 to 17 May.
774 people registered to become blood donors over the two-day drive and a total of 567 units of blood were collected, exceeding the targeted 500 units of blood.

32-year-old Chong Ser Chiong, a first-time donor, became interested in donating blood after receiving the “Give me Five” blood donation pamphlet last week. He is keen to break longstanding myths on blood donation. “Our parents and the older generation perceive that blood donations are unhealthy and bad but it does not affect the way youths think about blood donations,” he says.

Priya Shalini Ann, 19, is a second-time donor. She recalled her first blood donation, “Initially, I was scared to donate blood, but after my first experience, I realised it was not that bad after all,” she says. ““I am interested in blood donation because blood donations save lives.” she adds.
Balloon sculptors roamed around the MRT station and created adorable balloon designs for to distribute among the blood donors. “Blood Buddy”, the blood drive mascot, made a special appearance at three different MRT stations – Dhoby Ghaut, Outram, HarbourFront. Receiving a warm welcome from the young and old, the “Blood Buddy” was a hit with the crowd.

For more information regarding the event, please contact:
Ms Sathiya Puhaneswari
Project Co-ordinator, Corporate Communications
Singapore Red Cross
Tel: 6336 0269 ext 275
Email: sathiyamoorthyredcrossorgsg