When she joined the organisation in 2010, Eileen Cher, Assistant Secretary General of the Singapore Red Cross (SRC), realised the importance of blood donation.

“At that point, I wasn’t a donor, but there were periods where the blood stocks were low and the consequences were dire,” she said.

When Eileen learnt that elective surgeries had to be postponed due to low blood stocks, she felt compelled to take action, transforming her concern into a personal commitment.  

However, her journey to becoming a blood donor was not straightforward. Eileen was faced with a major hurdle in her blood donation journey — maintaining the minimum required weight criteria of 45kg and healthy iron levels. To ensure that she is eligible to donate blood, she heeded her friends’ advice to lower her caffeine intake and increase iron-rich foods such as red meat and spinach. That was also when she discovered and appreciated that many of her friends are also blood donors and she now understands that eating well plays a huge role in our well-being.

“It dawned on me that one has to be in the pink of health to donate, and being healthy is a good thing — a blessing. Good things are meant to be shared,” she added.

Yet, Eileen understands that some people may be apprehensive about blood donation due to myths and misconceptions.

Before joining the SRC, she too had the misconception that the needle was the size of a pencil. However, she clarified that the needles are small and local anaesthesia is given, making the process virtually painless.

She also emphasised that the body quickly replenishes the small amount of blood donated, dismissing myths like weight gain or loss.

“When I joined SRC, I realised people were also concerned about how much blood was being drawn. It is actually only 10 to 12 percent and it would be replenished by your body” Eileen explained.

To her, blood donation is one of the most direct and meaningful forms of giving. It is a universal act which transcends race, religion and background.

“When you donate blood, your blood directly contributes to the well-being of another person. It’s really altruistic,” she said.

Although it took her a long time before she succeeded in donating blood, Eileen decided to donate her two daughters’ cord blood at birth. Inspired by her husband who is a long-time blood donor, she wanted to instil the value of giving at home.

Her daughters also used to tag along to watch their dad donate blood when they were little.

“There would be a kid’s corner at the mobile blood drives held at Community Centres to let the children have fun while waiting for their parents. It felt like a community effort, and it’s really good for children to grow up in an environment where they witness the spirit of giving from young,” she shared.

For Eileen, blood donation is a collective effort. She used to rally colleagues to donate blood together — an initiative which has been taken over by SRC’s volunteering club. She enjoys joining her colleagues for group blood donations and continues to do so.

When asked about her most memorable blood donation experience, she replied, “the most memorable times I had donating blood would be with my colleagues. It is fun as it feels like we are all in it together!”

Eileen also recalled the significant challenges faced by the Blood Donor Programme (BDP) team in sustaining blood donation efforts during the early days of COVID-19. “With volunteers unable to participate due to restrictions, colleagues from the BDP team took on multiple roles to ensure that blood drives could continue. I was touched by their dedication and reminded of the importance of regular blood donations, especially in times of crisis,” she said.

Through her own experiences and leadership at the SRC, Eileen recognises that simple yet powerful acts like blood donation can make a profound difference in the lives of others. 

Being in a leadership role at SRC has opened doors for Eileen to advocate blood donation on an organisational level. Witnessing the enthusiasm and passion that community partners put into running their own blood drives reinforces her belief that blood donation is a community effort.

Meeting champion blood donors, champion organisers and even blood beneficiaries at the annual World Blood Donor Day also constantly refuels her commitment to blood donation advocacy.

“It is a privilege to be able to do what I do and I will continue doing it,” she shared.

By Chloe Ho, Blood Donor Programme
Copyedited by Clara Lim, Marketing & Communications