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DR FARIDA Fakhrudin Vasanwala has donated blood 79 times over the last 35 years and she has also inspired at least 10 people to make regular donations.
The 62-year-old general practitioner said: 'Some people volunteer their time at homes for the elderly. Donating blood regularly is my way of doing charity.'
Last night, she was given one of three Gift of Life awards by the Singapore Red Cross Society at a gala dinner at the Fullerton Singapore. The awards recognise top donors who have also inspired others to give blood.
The other winners were retired mechanic Lee Choh Choon, 59, who has given blood 138 times since 1978, and 42-year-old businessman Vashdev Chandiramani, who has donated 90 times in the same period.
Dr Balaji Sadasivan, Minister of State (Health and Environment), who was the guest of honour at the event, commended the three for their 'extraordinary commitment'.
Dr Farida, who has a clinic in New Upper Changi Road, first donated blood in 1962, to help victims of the Sino-Indian border war.
The mother of two has been donating blood regularly since she moved to Singapore in 1966. She goes to the National Blood Centre every three months.
'As a doctor, I know how important it is to give blood. Emergencies can happen any time. And blood can't be manufactured.'
Dr Farida, who hopes to chalk up 100 donations, also speaks to her patients about the need to give blood. Over the years, about 10 of them have become regular donors.
The Red Cross, which collects blood for all hospitals here, hopes more Singaporeans will come forward.
It collected about 58,800 units of blood between January and Dec 23 this year. This falls short of its target of 65,000 units.
Since the inaugural Gift of Life campaign was launched on Dec 5, there has been a slight increase in the amount of blood collected, compared with the amount given last December.
The drive will end on Jan 31, next year.
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