MCGI-Singapore representative Bro Robert Navoa receives the Medal for Life Award from Singapore Minister of Education, Mr. Ong Ye Kung on Saturday, June 23. (Jody Taligatos/Photoville International)
SINGAPORE – The Members, Church of God International (MCGI) Singapore Chapter is a proud recipient of Medal for Life Award, the highest recognition given by Singapore Red Cross to any individual or group blood donors who have given over 200 units of blood in a period of one year.
“Ang palagi nating pagtitiwala ay sa Panginoon. Salamat sa Dios sa guidance ni Bro. Eli at ni Kuya Daniel, ang MCGI-Singapore ay nagiging maliit na kasangkapan sa pagsagip ng buhay dito sa Singapore kaya patuloy kaming nanawagan sa ating mga kababayan na patuloy tayong magdonate ng dugo. Salamat sa Singapore Red Cross,” said MCGI Representative Brother Robert Navoa.
For the entire year, MCGI-Singapore was able to donate 400 units equivalent to12,000 liters of blood.
“Once again I want to thank MCGI for being a regular and dedicated partner of the blood program I want to ask that you continue to keep your good work and encourage your member to be regular donors,” said Singapore Red Cross Secretary-General Benjamin William.
For the period of one year, Singapore Red Cross was able to collect 116,000 units of blood and donated to 32,000 beneficiaries.
One of them is Singaporean Harols Wee. Harols graced the awarding ceremony to personally express his gratitude to the blood donors. Harols had to undergo heart transplant procedure and a surgery for severe hemorrhoid. He said he lost about 20 liters of blood throughout the period of his hemorrhoid problem.
“I actually bled very, very badly. It kept flooding the toilet floor, my bed. I would think I lost 5 liters of blood. And I am sure they needed more blood to transfuse into me. So you can imagine if there are 10 people like me (who) have lost so much blood, you would need so many people to donate,” he said.
Along with MCGI, Singapore Red Cross also accorded 36 community bloodmobile organizers for their efforts in encouraging more blood donors.
Meanwhile, Singapore Red Cross Secretary-General Benjamin William said they are intensifying their campaign to encourage more donors, especially in the youth sector considering Singapore’s aging population.
“It is very important to encourage young people to donate. As the population ages, more and more people will need lifesaving procedures, and at the same time, people will not be able to donate because they are not too well or they are too old. Therefore we need to increase the number of young donors,” said William.
MCGI-Singapore is a regular organizer of blood donation drives bearing its slogan “Add Blood, Add Lives” and has received a number of recognition from Singapore Red Cross including two Gold Awards (for reaching 500 units of blood donation in a year) and a Merit Award. – Mary Jo Maleriado / Marje Pelayo
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