LIAM expects 5,000 blood donors in its campaign

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20 (Bernama) -- Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM) expects to attract more than 5,000 blood donors through its annual corporate social responsibility programme, 'Health Awareness and Nationwide Blood Donation Campaign 2019'.

LIAM Chairman of Industry Promotion Committee Ramzi Toubassy said the expected number of donors is higher compared with the 2,000 donors last year, in the hope to increase the blood supply for the National Blood Bank during this holiday season.

“At the moment, the campaign which started on Sept 1 has been caried in 26 locations with approximately 2,100 donors recorded and we hope to hit another 2,200 donors or more at upcoming locations.

“In the spirit of caring, sharing and giving, the industry hopes Malaysians from all walks of life come together to donate blood for the needy irrespective of race, religion or background to instil the sense of unity and togetherness among Malaysians,” he told Bernama after the launch of the campaign here, today.

The nationwide campaign is organised in conjunction with Malaysia’s 62nd Independence Day and Malaysia Day celebration.

The blood donation programme located at over 40 strategic venues which started at Aeon Mall Kinta City 2, Ipoh, Perak and will end at Menara Prudential, Kuala Lumpur on Oct 18.

With the tagline ‘Donate Blood, Save Up to 3 Lives’, the campaign is held in collaboration between LIAM through its community service platform, Insurans Hayat Cares, with National Blood Bank and the National Association of Malaysian Life Insurance and Family Takaful Advisory (NAMLIFA).

In addition, LIAM also collaborated with KPJ Healthcare Bhd and National Heart Institute to offer complimentary health screening and consultation, flexibility test and anti-smoking clinic for patrons at Tesco Kepong Village Mall, today and tomorrow.

Meanwhile, LIAM Chief Executive Officer, Mark O’Dell urged all Malaysians to participate in the campaign to help those in need of blood at the respective locations around the country.

“The blood you donate gives someone another chance at life, one day, someone maybe a close relative, a friend, a loved one or even you,” O'Dell said.

He added the rationale behind the tagline was because there are three components in the blood which serve different functions namely platelets, red blood cells and plasma.

The campaign will continue at all regions in Malaysia including Sabah and Sarawak and for more details, members of the public can visit www.liam.org.my to check respective locations.

-- BERNAMA