3 July 2003 - Response to this year's Red Challenge Award, a national blood donation drive to encourage youths between 16 and 25 years to come forward, was better than expected, adding a total of 1288 units blood to the Bloodbank.

The annual event, jointly organised by Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) and the Singapore Red Cross Society (SRCS), saw a 14 per cent increase in blood collection compared to last year's drive.

The organisers are heartened by the encouraging response, given the fears that have discouraged many regular and potential donors from coming forward following the recent SARS outbreak.

"In this area of humanitarian work and saving lives, youths play the most pivotal role. We are encouraged to see that the participation in the Red Challenge this year has improved from the previous year. This demonstrates the willingness of youths to come forward and help, despite the many other activities they are involved in", said Mr Stanley Tan, vice-chairman of the Singapore Red Cross.

Last year's winner, Hope Centre, is once again the champion, with a collection of 179 units of blood. First-time participants Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation and Yayasan Mendaki came in second and third place respectively.

Pastor Lawrence Ong, who heads the Hope Centre, said: "In 2003 we challenged our youth to give back to society more than we have received. Our youth volunteers rose to the challenge and promoted the value of blood donation amongst their peers".

The Red Challenge Award will be presented on Red Apple Day, an SPH in-house blood donation drive at News Centre in Toa Payoh North on Friday, July 4, at 4pm.

About the Red Apple Day

In conjunction with The Red Challenge Award, SPH and SRCS also jointly organise the annual Red Apple Day, a one-day blood donation drive mainly for SPH employees.

This year's event will be held on Friday, July 4 from 10am to 4pm at the News Centre Auditorium.

The aim of the blood drive is to promote the spirit of volunteerism in the company and drive home the message that SPH staff is
a caring lot who want to make a positive difference to those in need.

As the event's name suggests, each blood donor will receive a red apple and a goodie bag sponsored by SPH Magazines.

Jointly issued by Singapore Press Holdings Ltd and the Singapore Red Cross Society

For more information, please contact:

Francis Mah
Assistant Manager
Corporate Relations, SPH
Tel: 6319 1028
e-mail: mahys@sph.com.sg

Carol Teo
Communications Manager
Singapore Red Cross Society
Tel: 6220 0183
e-mail: carol.teo_redcross@donorweb.org