Singapore Red Cross unveils counters to encourage Singaporeans to show their support for blood donors
 Two life-sized interactive counters placed along high pedestrian traffic areas to encourage Singaporeans to support blood donors |
 Members of the public need only press blood drop button to trigger the counter to display how many “salutes” have been garnered |
 Staff from Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) showing their support for blood donors |
Two life-sized interactive counters placed along high pedestrian traffic areas to encourage Singaporeans to support blood donors
Members of the public need only press blood drop button to trigger the counter to display how many “salutes” have been garnered
Caption: Staff from Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) showing their support for blood donors
The Singapore Red Cross has unveiled two physical counters that will be placed along high pedestrian-traffic areas to allow Singaporeans to give their support to blood donors. The interactive sculptures aim to raise awareness for everyday heroes that live in Singapore and will allow the public to show a collective declaration of support for blood donors.
There will also be a virtual counter on Facebook to cater to well-wishers who do not pass by the physical counters.
This follows the World Blood Donor Day event in June 2012 where 1,644 donors were recognised for their lifesaving contributions, including 42 Champion of Champion donors and nine medal for life winners.
The life-sized counter comprises a blood drop button that will easily allow the public to “salute” blood donors for their special contribution and their heroic act. Once the button has been pressed, it will trigger a counter that will display how many “salutes” have been garnered. The Singapore Red Cross aims to collect one million salutes by June 2013.
“The world needs heroes who selflessly come forward to donate blood and to save lives. As they continue to do so, we want to remind them that they are not alone. They have a nation supporting and cheering them on for their personal life-saving contributions,” said Mr Benjamin William, Secretary General of the Singapore Red Cross.
“Every single salute to our blood donors counts in our journey towards hitting the one-million mark. We want as many people as possible to step forward and help achieve this goal– everyone matters. We believe that this will be a source of inspiration and encouragement for all our donors.”
Reaching Out
More than 100,000 units of blood are needed to meet the transfusion needs of patients every year, equivalent to about 400 units of blood a day. Blood goes to those having medical emergencies such as accident survivors; individuals undergoing major surgeries such as organ transplants; patients with cancers and blood disorders like leukaemia and lymphomas or severe anaemia; and even newborns with conditions. With an ageing population, more advanced life-saving medical procedures, and new hospitals being established, more blood will be needed every year.
Leukaemia survivor Sulaiman Bin Suradi, 21, was diagnosed with the blood disorder when he was 10. The blood recipient shared, “The frequent top-up of blood or platelets helped to stabilise my condition, thereby enabling me to continue with treatment. Blood donors turn lives around, not just for patients, but for their families and the community at large as well.” Today, he shares his personal experience at outreach events in appreciation for the selfless donation by blood donors.
The counters are available for public pledges of support at the following locations:
- Khoo Teck Puat Hospital: 3 January – 17 February
- Republic Polytechnic: 28 January – 15 February
- City Square Mall: 21 February – 08 March
- The Star Vista: 19 February – 28 February
- National University of Singapore: 28 February – 01 April
- Tan Tock Seng Hospital: 08 March – 22 March
- Nanyang Polytechnic: 16 April – 10 May
- Temasek Polytechnic: 22 April – 22 May
Singaporeans can also show their support and “salute” donors through the Singapore Red Cross Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/sgredcross.