BDC Helps To Alleviate Low Blood Supply
The recent spate of wet weather, coupled with the usual lull prior to the Chinese New Year festivities, have resulted in a drop in donors turning up at the Blood Bank and Blood Mobiles. This has caused blood supply at the Blood Bank to dip to a low of 1,100 bags last week. The bank needs 1,500 bags per week to be comfortable.
Thus when BDC Chairman Vashi Chandiramani was asked to hold an additional Blood Mobile at the Sindhi Association’s premises, on top of the four annual mobiles which the association has been holding for the past 25 years, he readily agreed. Roping in other members of BDC to help out, a Blood Mobile was held on 20 January 2007 at Sindhu House at Mountbatten Road.
Despite the short notice, and the occasional shower, more than 70 donors turned up. Many were first time donors. When asked why they decided to donate they said that they were motivated by reports of low blood supply at the Blood Bank which had appeared in the various newspapers the day before. Some of those who turned up had donated before and said that they were alerted by a SMS sent out by the BDRP.
In the end a total of 50 units of blood were collected as some of potential donors had to be rejected on various grounds. Still, their willingness to come forward in a time of need is very much appreciated.
The large number of first time donors who turned up after publication of the newspaper articles points to an important lesson – publicity is critical. Also donors need to be reminded, as evidenced by those who responded to the SMS.
BDC is happy to be able to do its part in the continued effort to encourage blood donation. Hopefully, more can be done in the future.
Filed under: Blood Donor Club | Comments Off
1st Blood Donor Club Get-Together
The series of get-togethers for Blood Donor Club (BDC) members kicked off with a modest start when more then seventy members turned up for a tea reception on 7 Jan 2007 at the Singapore Sindhi Association, which was holding a mobile blood donation drive at the same time.
The event was graced by Mr Chan Soo Sen who first mooted the idea of a club for blood donors way back in April 2001. Mr Chan set a good example by taking time out to give a blood donation first before addressing the assembled members.
Mr Vashi Chandiramani, Chairman (South East Chapter) Blood Donor Club, gave a brief welcoming address before Mr Chan spoke. Other committee members also spoke. Secretary, Mr John Chong, informed members of upcoming events for the year. He was followed by Mr James Law, designated webmaster, who made an appeal to interested members to help out with the design and running of the BDC website. Rounding off, Mr Johann Yao spoke on the first BDC Family Day to be held later this year.
All the speeches were kept short and ably managed by MC for the day, 2nd Vice Chairman Angie, then it was time for the makan! A spread of samosas, sandwiches, fried mee hoon, fish balls and nonya kuehs were laid out for all to enjoy – a typical Singaporean ending to a successful first tea reception for BDC members.
Filed under: Blood Donor Club | Comments Off
Tea Reception of the 1st Blood Donor Club Get-Together (By Invitation Only)
Starting the year with a BIG BANG!!
Tea Reception of the 1st Blood Donor Club Get-Together.
Date: Sunday, 7 January 2007
Time: 3pm to 5pm
Venue: Singapore Sindhi Association
795 Mountbatten Road (junction of Tanjong Katong Road)
Programme:
3.00 pm – Registration
3.30 pm – Welcome Address By Chairman BDC, South East Chapter
3.35 pm – Address by Guest of Honour, Mr Chan Soo Sen, MP for Joo Chiat SMC
3.45 pm – Sharing on Upcoming Events by John Chong
3.50 pm – Sharing on BDC Online by James Law
3.55 pm – Sharing on BDC Family Day by Johann Yao
4.00 pm – Fellowship
Filed under: Blood Donor Club | Comments Off
Launch of Blood Donor Club
Announcing the official launch of Blood Donor Club on 18 February 2006 from 1pm to 3pm at Fort Canning Lodge.
To have a pictorial view on the formation of the Blood Donor Club, please click on https://donorweb.org/download/bdc/bdc_launch.pdf
Filed under: Blood Donor Club | Comments Off