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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) has held the Annual Donor Award Ceremony today (June 10) to present awards to those who have achieved 50-times donations or above (multiple of 25) in the past year.
The officiating guests of award presentation included President of Hong Kong Red Cross, Mrs Selina Tsang; Chairman of Hospital Authority, Mr Anthony Wu; Chief Executive of Hospital Authority, Dr Leung Pak-yin; Deputy Political Commissar of People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison, Major General Chu Maohua; Deputy Chairman of Hong Kong Red Cross, Mr Vincent Lo; and Chairman of Blood Transfusion Service Governing Committee, Mr Philip Tsai. They also congratulated the BTS 60th Anniversary and recognised its excellent achievements. At the ceremony, Mr Vincent Lo shared with all the guests and awardees the theme of World Blood Donor Day 2012, "Every Blood Donor is a Hero", and urged more real heroes to contribute blood for saving lives.
Dr Chan Wai-ming and blood recipient Tangent Cheung shared their experience in blood transfusion treatment at the Ceremony. BTS has gained great support from the Government, educational institutions, community organisations and the public. Last year, more than 1,000 mobile blood drives were organised. The generous supports are encouraging.
In 2011/12, the total number of donors who cumulatively achieved 25-times donations or its multiples has reached 2,542, the highest number in BTS record. In view of the large number of award recipients, the BTS held a ceremony today and another one last Sunday (June 3). The ceremony today awarded a total of 872 donors who have achieved 50-times or more blood donations. Donors Mr Erikku Lee has achieved 450 blood donations, while Ms Poon So-hing is the highest female donor with 300 blood donations.
Outstanding donors in the categories of Rh negative blood, whole blood and combined apheresis and whole blood donations also received special awards. In addition, awards are presented to the schools and organisations that have made outstanding contribution in organising blood donation activities in the past year. They included:
* Jean Cassels Trophy and Commendation Shields - to the Top ten schools with the highest percentage of participation in blood donations in 2011/12 (Appendix I);
* BTS Trophy and Commendation Shields - to the Top ten schools with the highest number of donations in 2011/12 (Appendix II); and
* Special Merit Award: Honorary Organisation with Highest Number of Donation in One-Day - People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison, and Honorary Corporate Sponsor for Donor Recruitment - Kai Shing Management Services Limited in recognition of their long-term support of blood donation.
To celebrate the World Blood Donor Day cum BTS 60th Anniversary and as an appreciation to blood donors, a "BTS 60th Anniversary Blood Bag Pin" is presented to every donor who gives blood from June 4 to July 2.
Ends/Sunday, June 10, 2012
Issued at HKT 15:17
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