Ahmad Rithauddeen (standing, second left) and his ‘The Reds’ team join several staff members from SGH blood bank in a group photo.
KUCHING (June 10): The committee of Petra Jaya Liverpool Reds Fan Club did not expect that the blood donation drive they conducted recently would receive such an encouraging turnout.
The initial registration target for the drive, run in collaboration with the blood bank of Sarawak General Hospital (SGH), was between 50 and 60 individuals, said club president Ahmad Rithauddeen Rabaie.
“It turned out that 110 people had come to contribute to this cause. Even the number of successful donors, at 98, exceeded the registration target.
“What made it more exciting was many of the donors came to the SGH donation centre donning ‘The Reds’ jersey.
“Yes, the English Premier League’s season may be over for now but we, the die-hard Liverpool fans, strive to continue doing our part in society,” he said.
The recent activity with SGH blood bank, said Ahmad Rithauddeen, was the club’s first time conducting a blood donation drive and it intended to undertake many other charity and social works.
Ahmad Rithauddeen also takes the opportunity to donate blood.
“Among the programmes in the pipeline are donation and distribution of pre-loved clothing, as well as the channelling of essential items to the needy groups.
“Should the situation permit it later, we also plan to host a ‘Football Festival’ and a ‘Running Nite’ event,” he said.
On the club’s inaugural blood donation drive, Ahmad Rithauddeen said his ‘line-up’ could not have done it without the strong encouragement from SGH, personal support from Demak Laut assemblyman Dr Hazland Abang Hipni and permanent secretary to Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development, Datu Safri Zainudin, as well as sponsorship from Liansin, Bernas and Mydin.
“It’s an honour to be able to help SGH blood bank replenish its stock during this challenging time.
“Our appreciation also goes to the donors, some of whom donated blood for the first time,” he said, adding that his club would plan to hold more blood donation drives going forward.