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Did you know that the world observes World Blood Donor Day every year as a sign of respect to the Austrian scientist Dr. Karl Landsteiner, whose significant research led to the distinguishing of the main blood types? The inaugural celebration began in 2004, in Johannesburg, South Africa. A year later, the World Health Organisation (WHO) dedicated this day as an annual occurrence, which also happens to be the birthday of Dr. Landsteiner.

World Blood Donor Day is also symbolic because it recognises blood donors across the globe who are healthy, qualified, and have voluntarily agreed to donate blood to those who need it (urgently). It gives hope to recipients who encounter blood-related conditions, traumatic injuries, are in need of surgery, as well as being part of the treatment for cancer. Blood is a crucial life-sustaining element that cannot be manufactured and require transfusion from human to human.

Benefits of donating blood include aiding in your weight loss journey, a certain degree of balance in your iron levels, liver health betterment, an increased production of red blood cells, as well as an improvement in your emotional health.

This 2025, the theme is give blood, give hope: together we save lives. While in 2024, the focus was on women and anaemia, and thanking blood donors, this year, there is more emphasis on donating blood in a safe and timely manner.

1 Utama is a popular shopping mall in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. So, you can see why the venue is picked for this important and life-changing event.

This event is made possible with the support of Pusat Khidmat Bandar Utama and St John Ambulance of Malaysia (SJAM). Blood donation will take place in the blood donation suite of St John Ambulance at the basement 2 level of 1 Utama Shopping Centre.

It’s always a good idea to check your eligibility and bring a bottle of water so you can drink some water after the donation drive. Come in comfortable, loose (but not overly loose) clothing.

The event will commence 14 June 2025 at 11AM and will end at 630PM.

Those donating blood will stand a chance to win lucky draw vouchers.

Happy donating!