HONG KONG HEROES

Hong Kong Rugby players respond to the Red Cross’ call to top up Hong Kong blood banks

24th Apr 2020

Last month the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service announced that Hong Kong’s blood banks were running drastically low as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. They declared they were unable to collect the ‘minimum’ amount of blood needed as a result of the cancellation of blood drives (often targeting specific organisations such as schools and offices which are currently closed), in addition to the plunge in donor numbers.

The Red Cross therefore urged members of the public to come forward and top up the reserves, guaranteeing the safety of doing so through secured slots at blood donation centres, resulting in social distancing measures and lack of waiting times.

The Red Cross called, and the Hong Kong Rugby Union Elite Rugby Players, James Rees and Kane Boucaut answered, led by frequent blood donor Alexander Post. Posty regularly donates blood back in his hometown in the UK, and when hearing of the shortage, put his persuasion skills to the test and encouraged a number of the squad, both players and coaches, to get involved.

They headed to the Central District Donor Centre (1/F, Tun Ming Building, 40-42 Des Voeux Road Central, Central) this week, check out the photos below.

Those who were not eligible to donate were still keen to help out, so instead donated their blood for bone marrow matches. This simple procedure requires a 5ml blood sample which is taken for match tests.

A fantastic initiative from the boys, and we thank them for their courage. If you’re interested in giving blood, check out your eligibility, and how to book an appointment here: https://www5.ha.org.hk/rcbts/?lang=en


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