A DAY TO REMEMBER THOSE WHO SAVE LIVES

AWARD.... Datuk Herbert Timbun Lagadan (left), Assistant Minister to the Ministry of Community Development and Consumer Affairs presenting the Glorious Annual Award to Richard Lo (right) together with Senator Datuk Maijol Mahap (second left), Blood Donor Community Association Board Member of Advisory Panel and Firdaus Petrus (second right), President of Blood Donor Community Association.

By : FIZAH YUSOF

BLOOD donors in Sabah were honoured yesterday for their gift of life to those who need it. Datuk Herbert Timbun Lagadan, Assistant Minister to the Minister of Community Development and Consumer Affairs said that donating blood to maintain an adequate supply of bood in the blood bank is an extremely noble act.

“I cannot say enough to praise those who make sacrifices by giving their own blood to save lives,” he said at the charity dinner of the Malaysia Blood Donor Association (PERDARAH).

He said the government hopes to collect 2000 pints of blood by the end of 2012.

Among the most distinguished blood donors at the dinner was Richard Lo, 54, who has donated blood for more than 30 years.

“I think it’s an easy way to give back to the community and it is really important that everybody should take part in it,” he said.

Richard who was diagnosed with polio or infantile paralysis since he was a 10-month old baby said donating blood is not at all painful. "And it can save lives," he added

“There is a constant need for blood; one never knows when one might need blood and someone out there may need our help. That is why I feel the obligation to donate to the blood bank. If someone like me can do it so can anybody else,” he said.

Throughout the years of giving blood Richard has not stopped to encourage people, especially the young in his hometown in Sandakan to give blood.

“I have volunteered and given talks to youngsters in schools to motivate more people to give blood,” he said.

In the event, he received the Glorious Annual Award in recognition for the 122 times that he gave blood to save others.

Earlier the President of Blood Donor Community Association (PERDARAH), Firdaus Petrus proposed that November 22 every year will be recognised as the official day to honour blood donors.  Herbert said that he will guarantee to bring this matter to the Minister of Community Development and Consumer Affairs for consideration. (Insight Sabah)