Interfaith blood donation drive aims to build bonds among the youth

Event draws around 200 donors, mostly young people, amid lively atmosphere

- Zaihan Mohamed Yusof

What started in 2016 as an idea to build social cohesion in multicultural and multi-religious Singapore continues to draw "new blood" from those looking to do their bit for the community.

At the sixth Interfaith Blood Donation Drive held at the Heart of God Church in Eunos on Oct 30, most donors were young people, including 16-year-old Clare Leung, the youngest donor.

Clare, a member of the non-denominational church, said: "This is my first time giving blood and volunteering at an interfaith event. It's pretty interesting to do this with people from different religions. We're all coming together to save lives and do something good for our community."

The Secondary 4 student from Anderson Secondary School also met Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam, who presented her with a gift pack.

The 2024 blood donation drive drew around 200 donors.

Co-organised by Heart of God Church, Khalid Mosque, Geylang United Temple and Chan Khoo Kong Huay clan association, the interfaith event aims to not only save lives but also to build social cohesion.

It was also supported by the Racial and Religious Harmony Circle, Singapore Red Cross and Geylang Neighbourhood Police Centre.