***************************************************
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) is urging people to join its life-saving relay by giving blood to help patients who are in need of blood transfusion, while enjoying physical exercise in the summer.
The BTS will launch the "1+1 Blood Donation Relay" between August 11 and 31. During the period, donors need only to give blood in any blood donor centre and ask for a blood donation "Relay Card" with the first stamp. They should pass it on to a relative or friend to give blood in any blood donor centre and get the second stamp, after which they will both receive a limited edition "1+1 Stretchy Ballpen with Key Chain" while stocks last.
"The demand for blood supply is rising. We look forward to and appreciate blood donors and their relative/friends' support of this activity and giving blood to save lives," a BTS spokesman said.
For locations and service hours of the blood donor centres, the public can call the hotline at 2710 1234 or visit the website at http://www.ha.org.hk/rcbts for details.
Ends/Thursday, August 7, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:46
NNNN
