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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
To express its appreciation to blood donors supporting World Blood Donor Day on June 14, the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) will present to those who give blood between now and June 11 a "Q-blood bag magnet", and between June 12 and 28 a "mini blood donation calendar calculator" (see photo), while stocks last. For details of the promotion, the public can call 2710 1234 or visit the BTS website at www.ha.org.hk/rcbts .
The World Health Organisation, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Federation of Blood Donor Organisations and the International Society of Blood Transfusion have jointly designated June 14 as World Blood Donor Day. Every country in the world will on that day organise activities to pay tribute to voluntary non-remunerated blood donors. This year's theme is "New Blood for the World" to appeal to more youngsters to donate blood.
The BTS will organise the annual donor award ceremonies on June 13 and 20 during the World Blood Donor Day period to publicly honour those who have donated blood 25 times or its multiples cumulatively during the past year. On World Blood Donor Day, the BTS will also hold a "New Blood for the World" activity at the Avenue of Stars, Tsim Sha Tsui, at which some hundred youths will pledge at a ceremony to donate blood.
With the ageing of the population, the number of patients who need blood transfusion for treatment is increasing. The BTS sincerely invites more people, especially youth, to give blood regularly to brighten up more patients' lives.
Ends/Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Issued at HKT 11:32
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