SINGAPORE, 22 NOVEMBER 2008 — THE INAUGURAL ASIA Conference was not just about power-packed sessions or exciting competitions, it was also about saving lives with practical actions. On 21 and 22 November 2008, a blood donation drive was held at Singapore Expo Hall 10, where a total of more than 200 members of City Harvest Church (CHC) donated one packet of their blood each to help save lives.
Over two days, people of all ages, from all walks of life came together to perform an act that was selfless in every sense of the word. They’d never meet the person who would benefit from their giving, but are content with the knowledge that they are doing something to make another person’s life better.
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The idea of blood donation was conceived by founder of CHC Kong Hee some years ago. He felt that blood represents life, and that City Harvest Church should give their lives to help others. Since then, a tithe of the church population has been donating blood each year.
Blood donation drives have become a regular feature in City Harvest Church. The church has worked with organizations like community clubs and mosques to organize the drives. As such, blood donation campaigns have become instrumental for the church to interact with other organizations and faiths.
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| PHOTOS: Macson Tan |
Samantha Tay, 22, told City News, “I donated blood because it can help save lives. It’s always good to do something charitable and it doesn’t take up a lot of your time and energy.”
Tay is no stranger to blood donations. This is the fourth time she is participating in a blood donation drive organized by City Harvest. She added, “It’s pretty cool to know that my packet of blood might go a long way in saving someone else’s life.”
