THOUGH not a traditional Thai celebration, the National Blood Centre is inviting people to celebrate Halloween by donating blood to ensure adequate reserves for patients from Oct 29-31.
“People in many countries dress up in ghost-themed costumes on Oct 31 to celebrate Halloween, a festival originating in Western countries,” said Assoc Prof Dr Dujjai Chaiwanichsiri, director of the centre.
She said Thais could also celebrate this occasion as a merit-making festival by giving to those in need, and giving away blood was one of the most noble things that any healthy person could do.
This year, the centre is holding a Halloween event for blood donors at its blood centres nationwide. Participants will be welcomed by health officials dressed up as Thai-style ghosts and a Halloween-themed backdrop to take commemorative photos.
Those who give blood on Halloween Day at the centre’s headquarters on Henri Dunant Road in Bangkok will receive a “trick or treat” bag (with iron supplement drugs) and delicious “haunted” donuts.
The centre’s blood centres will also be open at several convenient locations across Bangkok, including The Mall Bang Khae, The Mall Bang Kapi, The Mall Ngam Wong Wan, The Mall Tha Phra, as well as The Emporium shopping mall.
The centre also has participating provincial branches in Lopburi, Chonburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Sawan, Phitsanulok, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla and Phuket.
Alternately, people can donate blood at any hospital that has a blood service station. — The Nation/ANN
