Chia showing her donation record book after donating blood for the 43rd time. — KT GOH/The Star
IN the past 25 years, Chia Hooi Lee has probably saved countless lives, having donated blood 43 times.
The 46-year-old donated for the first time while pursuing her studies at Universiti Malaya.
“Friends encouraged me to donate blood during a drive on campus.
“I realised it was quite a simple procedure. It is also rewarding to know that we are saving the lives of others.”
Chia said she usually donates blood three to four times yearly, and her most recent donation at an event at Sunshine Square, Bayan Baru, was her third time this year.
Another veteran donor was housewife Norsiah Saad, 53, who donated for the 30th time.
“I started in 1994 and found that my body felt rejuvenated after donating each time, as it would slowly replenish itself with new blood.
“I’ve donated blood in various states,” said Norsiah.
The blood donation drive was organised by the Penang Datuk-Datuk Council and the police.
The event collected 188 packs of blood for Penang Hospital.
Council president Datuk Seri Abdul Rafique Abdul Karim said this was close to their target of 200 packs.
“There has been a decreasing number of donors since the Covid-19 pandemic, as many people are concerned about getting infected.
“Today’s event also offered free health tests and a booth was also set up to educate people on organ donation,” he said.
Also present was Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid.
