KAJANG: You've just got to admire people who literally give up a part of themselves so others may live.
One of them is Naomi Dass.
"I read that a person can save three lives with every blood donation. That's why I am here."
The exuberant 59-year-old was among more than 200 people who turned up at a blood donation drive at Metro Point Complex here on May 1.
The campaign was organised by the Kajang Assembly of God (KAOG) church and the National Blood Bank.
According to the church, the labour of love was to meet the dip in the Blood Bank's reserves during the fasting month of Ramadan. It also considered the potentially adverse impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on efforts to boost blood supply.
KAOG senior pastor, Reverend Calvin Lee, said it warmed his heart to see people of all races come together for a great cause.
"This is not the first time our church is organising such a campaign. It has always been KAOG's desire to be a blessing to the country and community.
"I want to thank everyone who came to give blood. Whether they managed to or not, it means a lot."
Close to 230 people wanted to donate blood. In the end, though, only 147 got to do it. Sixty others were rejected for various medical reasons.
Nonetheless, a Blood Bank representative said the number of donors exceeded expectations by a wide margin. "Blood stocks are low during this time, so this campaign really helps us a lot," said Dr Bryan Hau.
The whole event was carried out in full compliance with the Covid-19 standard operating procedures, said the head of the KAOG organising committee, Cassie Samuel.
The donors were ecstatic about making a difference. It's refreshing to hear them speak.
Lavender Ong, 32, was giving blood for the first time. It's "love in action and one of the easiest ways to help the community", she said.
"Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, I am not fearful. I have full confidence in the blood bank and church workers."
Naomi, too, was unafraid about donating blood in the time of the pandemic. "I was more concerned they would reject me due to anemia."
This was the second time she donated blood, and she hoped to do more of it in the future.
Christina Chang has not given blood for a while. But the 24-year-old, with the customary and infectious enthusiasm of a millennial, was back.
"I am not afraid of needles and blood and I'm healthy. I am aware that this is not the case with many people and I strongly feel the need to fill the gap.
"And I am not afraid either, as I know that if I take precautions I will be all right."
In a world soaked in pandemic and pessimism, Malaysia is blessed to count these people as its own. What's not to admire in souls who put others ahead of themselves?