Students take the lead in organising a life saving event at St Andrews Bangkoks first blood drive

Written by Pin [Year 13]

We are very proud to have hosted St Andrews Bangkok's first blood drive with parents, staff, families and student donors on Friday 30th September 2023. A total of 87 units of blood was collected and a total of 115 registered donors. Many were first-time donors, especially since Thailand had just lifted the ban for UK nationals (due to the mad cow disease outbreak in the 80s) to give blood. Senior Studies students also had a fantastic CAS Service opportunity to support their peers and donate blood themselves.

This project was an extension of the trivia quiz, initiated by Pin, which was dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of the Red Cross organisation on World Red Cross Day. To amplify our positive contribution to the meaningful day, the five of us collectively brainstormed to make the most direct impact; the STA’s first on-campus blood drive. 

We all played an essential role both prior and during the day. Ing Ing handled the contact of the Red Cross representatives, Nunu and Pin managed sign-ups and logistics, Yunjung and Pin dealt with communications, and Orm did most of the publicity and graphic design. On the day, we were situated to help accommodate participants doing their initial official registration into the Red Cross’s system. 

This event would not have been possible without all of the guidance and support we have received from everyone involved, regardless of whether or not they could donate. We learned a lot as organisers to contact an external organisation, accommodating as best as we can to requests, and situational management and decision-making. We highly appreciate the feedback received and for all the cooperation and patience everyone had, taking this as an experience to constructively improve upon.

We also hope everyone interested can keep donating blood in the near future—the interval is only 3 months! We want to thank everyone for being a great member of the STA community, giving blood and saving lives.