Yayasan Farley blood donation drive records target-breaking 133 donors

KUCHING (July 9): The Yayasan Farley Blood Donation Programme held at Farley Mall Kuching yesterday surpassed the initial goal of 120 donors.

The drive, which ran from 9am to 2pm, recorded a total of 133 successful participants.

The organiser in a statement said the objective was to collect a substantial supply to help meet the increasing demand for blood transfusions in the community.

“In addition, the event sought to raise awareness of the importance of blood donation and its role in maintaining community health,” it added.

Among the donors was Blasius James, 46, a general operations assistant, whose donation yesterday marked his fifth.

“Donating blood helps those in need, and also is beneficial to our health. I wouldn’t call it a routine. Those wishing to donate blood must first assess their conditions before deciding to do so,” he told The Borneo Post.

He added that his wife and daughters also joined him in the blood donation programme.

Meanwhile, Anie Rosi said yesterday’s drive marked her eighth blood donation.

“I found out about this event via the Blood Bank Sarawak General Hospital’s (SGH) Facebook page. The SGH Blood Bank was where I first did my donation, thanks to my husband’s encouragement.

“Each donation gives me a sense of satisfaction, and positively impacts my mental health,” said the 39-year-old programmer.

Anie also advised first-time donors to overcome their fear by focusing on the health benefits, both for themselves and others.

“My motivation when donating blood each time is driven by the desire to help those in need.”

Housewife Noraini Budiman said she had been donating blood since age 19, totalling 11 times to date.

“I began doing this because my cousin faced issues with insufficient blood. Therefore, I am determined to help those in need through efforts like this,” said the 33-year-old.

She assured all that donating blood was not as painful as some might perceive.

The next blood donation drive at Farley Mall Kuching is set to take place this Oct 19.