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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (BTS) will organise a series of activities to celebrate World Blood Donor Day, which is held on June 14 each year. The BTS will arrange for patient groups to express their gratitude to donors and give a handy calculator with pen to people who donate blood as a gift during the World Blood Donor Day period.
The World Health Organization, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Federation of Blood Donor Organizations and the International Society of Blood Transfusion have jointly designated each year's June 14 as World Blood Donor Day. Countries worldwide on that day organise activities to pay tribute to voluntary non-remunerated blood donors. The theme this year is entitled "More Blood More Life", reinforcing the urgent need for more people all over the world to become lifesavers by volunteering to donate blood regularly.
During the World Blood Donor Day period, the BTS will organise the annual Donor Award Ceremonies on June 12 and 19 to publicly honour our blood donors who have achieved 25 donations or its multiples cumulatively during the past year. On World Blood Donor Day, June 14, we will also hold the "More Blood More Life" activity at noon at the G/F Lobby, Block D, Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Representatives of some patient groups will attend the event to show their appreciation to blood donors, followed by a sharing session by regular blood donors. One of the members of the musical group Fama who needs lifelong regular blood transfusions will share his experiences as a blood-donation recipient and his partner in the group will also make the first blood donation at the event. Members of the public are welcome to attend the event.
As a gesture of our appreciation to donors who support World Blood Donor Day by donating blood between June 12 and 30, we will present to them a handy calculator with pen, while stocks last. Members of the public can call 2710 1234 or visit the BTS website at www.ha.org.hk/rcbts for the locations and service hours of our blood donor centres.
On the occasion of the World Blood Donor Day, and on behalf of patients who have benefited from blood transfusions, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to every blood donor for the precious gift of life that donors have given to them!
Ends/Thursday, June 9, 2011
Issued at HKT 17:38
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