KUCHING: Veterans of the armed forces continue to give back to the community in various ways, one of which is through blood drives.
The Sarawak Veteran Armed Forces of Malaysian Association (PVTMS) Kuching Branch’s first organised blood drive resulted in the collection of 48 blood bags.
Branch chief Thiagarajan said they aimed to collect 50 pints of blood from local veterans.
In conjunction with the Warrior’s Day throughout the month, he said his association wanted to contribute to the people.
“Although we are retired personnel, through the organisation of such programmes we are allowed to continue serving the community.
“We targeted about 50 donors today. But many veterans who have registered had to be rejected due to the age factor.
“However, with the support of veteran family members (wives and children) and the members of the public, we managed to collect 48 bags of blood,” he said.
The blood drive was officiated by Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap Yau Sin which was held at Farley Mall here on Saturday (Aug 6).
Thiagarajan said Yap has offered to help the veterans who are in need.
But a proper written application must be submitted to his office, he added.
The drive received support from the Sarawak Malaysian Armed Forces Veteran Affairs Department (JHEV), the Sarawak General Hospital Blood Bank and the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) Kuching Branch.
Also present were Lt. Gen. (RTD) Datuk Stephen Mundaw and his wife as well as the JHEV Director Major Pahot Joll.
On the same day, another military veteran association called the Indian Veterans Association of Malaysian Armed Forces Sarawak Branch also hosted a blood drive which took place at the Indian Association Kuching hall.
