KUCHING: The Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) Kuching District officially launched its “Run to save lives” project at its headquarters here today.
The event will be held at the foyer of Kuching South City Council (MBKS) on October 27 to give participants ample time (five months) to plan.
Among those present were MRC Kuching District deputy chairman Dr Chou Chii Ming, MRC Blood Donors Recruitment Services Sub-Committee chairman John Jong and MRC committee members.
At a press conference, Dr Chou told the New Sarawak Tribune that the MRC Kuching District raised RM100,000 annually to run its blood donation campaigns.
“We aim to collect a total of 22,000 pints of blood from donors annually for Sarawak General Hospital’s Blood bank. We use the money we raise from organisations and members of the public to organise blood donation campaigns.
“In order to achieve the target, we conduct various programmes to encourage the public to donate their blood,” he explained.
Chou also told that the blood collected could last for 28 days only, so the supply of blood was always an on-going process.
On the “Run To Saves Lives” programme, Chou said that it aimed to raise RM50,000.
“So far, the programme has raised a total of RM20,000. RM10,000 from Deng Fung Management Services and RM10,000 from Liew Yuui Lin,” he said.
Chou also explained that for the programme to be held in October, the particulars of participants would be stored in the MRC database.
Those interested in the run may submit their entry forms to MRC Kuching District office or register online at saveslives.eventRunner.com.my.
There are various packages to choose from; while cash donations to MRC for the project are tax exempted.
For the record, there are 70 pct active blood donors registered with MRC Kuching District and there are 63,000 blood donors in Sarawak.
MRC Kuching District also holds the National Blood Awards record by MRC Malaysia for 17 years.
