A household name and Queen of Caldecott Hill after winning the first-ever Star Search in 1988, Zoe Tay is no stranger to public awareness campaigns. Having been involved in anti-smoking and save the sharks campaigns as well as getting down to helping clean the environment, Zoe is once again rolling up her shirt sleeves, this time to donate blood and raise public awareness, as an Ambassador for the National Blood Recruitment Programme.

How long have you been donating blood and what prompted you to do so?
I�m shy to say but it was just that one time but having being conferred the title of Ambassador of the National Blood Recruitment Programme, I will strive to find more time despite my busy schedule to donate blood more regularly.

Has donating blood affected your life in anyway?
Not really, but after that one time, I felt good, as I knew it was going to help someone in need. It was an unforgettable experience.

In your capacity as Ambassador of the National Blood Donor Recruitment Programme what steps would you take to help gather more blood donors?
I hope to bring more awareness to people and also encourage more people not to be afraid to donate blood. If I can do it, so can they.

What do you think is the reason why people do not donate blood and how would you try to persuade these people?
I think most people are afraid of needles and blood. Their lack of knowledge of how the whole donation process is carried out also stops them from coming forward to donate blood. They may also have the misconception of losing their blood and worry about it affecting their health. I hope to help clarify and dispel any such myths and encourage people to donate blood.

What do you think about the idea of Donorweb � using the net to reach out to blood donors?
I think that any means of getting across to more people, getting them to donate blood is a good idea. I hope that Donorweb is successful in achieving this aim.