September 21, 2003:-

The gift of one’s blood is one of the purest forms of Dana, especially when the recipient is unknown. 105 people with compassion in their hearts performed this noble and meritorious deed on a pleasant Sunday morning of 21 September, 2003 at Than Hsiang Temple.

Even a group of 30 came all the way from Tambun, in a convoy of cars, in response to the Blood Donation Campaign jointly organized by Mitra Welfare Centre, Metta Mobile Free Clinic and Western Free Clinic of Than Hsiang Temple. This was the first time in Than Hsiang Temple for such a campaign, the objective of which was to create a public awareness that Than Hsiang Temple do offer a blood donation service. Hence the theme for the blood donation campaign was “The Image of a Caring Society”.

The staff and volunteers of Mitra Welfare Centre, Metta Mobile Free Clinic and Western Free Clinic were on hand to attend to the many blood donors. Matter of fact, the early donors were the staff and volunteers themselves.

A locum from the Penang Hospital, Dr. Chen Tai Ho, and the Medical Laboratory Technician Team from the Lam Wah Ee Hospital formed the medical team for the blood donation drive. Each of the donors, after filling in Lam Wah Ee’s Blood Donor Enrolment Form, was medically checked by Dr. Chen and had their blood tested before proceeding to one of eight comfortable beds, where a pint of their blood was drawn; after which they were served with either cold Root Beer or hot Milo.

All this was efficiently carried out in quiet and conducive ambience, thanks to the good organizational skills of Ms. Hoo Pik Wui and the enthusiasm of her team of staff and volunteers. A big Sadhu to her and her team for a job well done!

Concurrently, in the same venue of the Great Compassion Hall, where the blood donation campaign was held, a medical talk entitled “The Story of Blood” was given by Dr Goh Huck Keen in Mandarin. Many of those who came for the blood donation campaign attended the talk and were elucidated on the biological and medical aspects of blood in the human body.

This first Blood Donation Campaign held at Than Hsiang Temple certainly proved to be a success. This was without a doubt due to all concerned; the donors, medical team, organizer, staff, and volunteers. It is envisioned Than Hsiang Temple would organize more of such events in the future to allow more people the opportunity to practise Dana, especially the wholesome act of freely giving of one’s blood. Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu!

Towards the theme of “The Image of a Caring Society”, another free medical screening would be held at Than Hsiang Temple on 18th October from 2 to 5pm. It is hoped the community would avail themselves of this free medical service for the betterment of their health; thereby indirectly contributing towards the nation’s health.