The simple act of extracting blood through a needle injected into one’s arm can already be a big step towards saving somebody’s life. The small inconvenience pales in comparison to the big significance that this simple act can have. A special bonus from blood donation is that the donor also benefits through the production of new blood cells, while at the same time, receiving a personal health check-up as he learns about his blood type and his current hemoglobin level. And more importantly, he experiences the increased sense of fulfilment and self-worth that comes from having done a good deed.

The Young Entrepreneur’s Organization, in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, conducted a blood letting activity on August 6, 2013 at the CKSC-FBAS clinic. Students, teachers, office staff and administrators, and even CKSC-FBAS alumni supported this event.

Among those who donated blood were first-timers. They were nervous at the beginning, but as the blood extraction progressed, they acknowledged that it was neither as bad nor as scary as they imagined. 31 blood donors proudly left the clinic with their donor’s cards. According to the representatives from the Red Cross, the usual number of people who participate in such projects are roughly 17— but CKSC-FBAS far exceeded the quota. There were actually other students who wanted to donate but were advised not to because of low hemoglobin count, colds, or ongoing medication.

YEO and the Philippine Red Cross are truly thankful to these CKSCians, who donated, supported, and even helped promote the project. One of the Accountancy professors at CKSC, Mr. George Ong, reminded his students that, “People who can donate blood must be proud because only healthy people can donate blood and people who are in need of blood are in critical situations. So in this situation, it is much better to give than to receive.”

(Article by Jazelle Lim / Photo Credit : YEO)