Curtin Volunteers! blood donation drive reaches maximum target of 66 donors

Miri – 5 September 2012 – A blood donation drive recently organised by the Curtin Volunteers! (CV!) of Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) in collaboration with the Miri Blood Bank managed to collect blood from 66 donors, reaching the target set by the blood bank.

The bi-annual drive, which carried the theme ‘The Gift of Love is the Gift of Life’, took place at the university’s Recreational and Event Hall from 9.00 am to 11.30 am.

In addition to helping the Miri Blood Bank replenish its blood stock, the CV! aimed to foster the spirit of volunteerism and promote the virtues of donating blood within the campus community through the event.

A total of 20 volunteers were involved in promoting and assisting at the event including CV! Advisor and University Life Coordinator Bryan Robson Bala.

Staff from the blood bank expressed their satisfaction with the organisation of the blood donation drive. The blood bank’s senior assistant information officer Lily Sinta said the event was well organised and received an overwhelming response from the donors. She also praised the CV! members who were very helpful throughout the event.

The CV! has been organising blood donation drives bi-annually since 2003 with significant support from students and staff.

The CV! wishes to acknowledge the sponsors of the drive, namely DKSH Ayam Brand, Boulevard Hypermarket and Departmental Store and Vision Pharmacy.

Apart from blood donation drives, the CV! has organised other activities and events such as beach cleaning campaigns, charity fundraisers, and community outreach projects in support of rural communities and local charities such as the Miri Sunflower Centre, Miri Palliative Care Association, Piasau Animal Welfare Support (PAWS) Miri, Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS), Methodist Children’s Home and the Miri Mental Health Association.

Upcoming events will include the CV! 10th Year Annual Fundraising Dinner with the objective of creating awareness of palliative care and raising funds for the Miri Palliative Care Association.

Miri Blood Bank Senior Medical Lab Technologist Benedict Jong (4th right, back row) receiving a certificate from a member of the CV!

Screening a potential donor.

A staff member of the Miri Blood Bank prepping a donor.