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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The approach of chilly weather reminds us that Christmas is on our doorstep. The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) appeals to the public to spare a little time during the festive season to donate blood to help patients who need it for treatment. In this way they can share their good fortune and give some warmth this winter.
To show its appreciation for blood donors' support, the BTS will present to those who give blood between December 15, 2010 and January 2, 2011 a reusable "Q-blood bag hand warmer" (see photos attached), while stocks last.
All the BTS blood donor centres have been specially decorated for Christmas and the BTS invites members of the public and their loved ones to come and enjoy the festive season by taking some photos for a sweet memory. They may even bump into Santa Claus there! For the service hours of Blood Donor Centres during the holiday period, please call the BTS hotline at 2710 1234 or visit its website (www.ha.org.hk/rcbts).
In addition, the Shatin Blood Donor Centre at No. 1A Shatin Centre Street has been completely renovated and will resume service on December 17 with normal service hours from noon to 7pm from Mondays to Saturdays and from 1pm to 8pm on Sundays and public holidays.
Any person aged 16 to 65, weighing over 41kg and healthy is eligible to donate blood. Male and female donors aged 18 or above can give blood every three months and four months respectively. Youths aged between 16 and 17 can donate blood every six months.
The BTS wishes everyone a merry Christmas and happy new year!
Ends/Sunday, December 12, 2010
Issued at HKT 15:01
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