A spontaneous group activity to get likes online quickly evolved into a cause worth rallying for when Mr Xavier Ng found himself in need of a blood transfusion post-surgery. Since then, Xavier has decided to use his social media platform as a way to do his part to keep the blood supply for Singapore going.

Came for the ‘Gram, Stayed to Save Lives 

What started out as a group activity done for clout soon became an integral part of Xavier’s lifestyle when he learnt that one bag of blood could save three lives. This struck even closer to home when he went under the knife in August 2023 and needed three units of blood himself.

“I discovered it isn’t easy for just anyone to donate, and I am in a fortunate situation where I’ve never been rejected for low haemoglobin or high blood pressure.”

“Since my blood type is O+, I can only receive group O blood — which is the universal blood group and very high in demand. This made me realise how helpful my blood could be.”

Spurred on by call outs from the Singapore Red Cross about dipping blood stocks, he decided to make blood donation a yearly ritual.

Influencing Friends Who Influence People

Despite having already made 17 donations, Xavier wants to do more to advocate for blood donation. 

“Although there are many healthy individuals walking our streets every day, only 1.9% of Singapore residents donate blood. And out of this group, youth donors make up only 14% of our donor pool! I hope we don’t continue to take healthcare in Singapore for granted.”

Therefore, he started regularly posting about his donation journey on Instagram, and even created a highlight reel on his page.

“Each time I post, friends and colleagues would reply to the stories and ask questions. That is the perfect opportunity for me to invite them to go with me after work or during lunch hours, and suggest they do the same with their own friends and family.”

Over the years, he successfully convinced some friends to join him simply by inviting them along.

“I convinced a close friend whom I knew was easygoing to go with me, and extended the invitation to his girlfriend. The next round, they were down to donate again — and they even invited six of their friends to join us. Three months later, we all went together again!”

“Another friend was initially hesitant because they did not want to disrupt their fitness routine. They were also worried about being rejected due to their history of iron deficiency. So I started hitting the gym with them and we went for a steak lunch to boost their iron before the donation appointment. Thankfully, that day they were able to donate their blood without a hitch.”

Busting Myths and Misconceptions

It is no surprise that many have the wrong impression of blood donation. Many worry about contamination, while others assume that they will be automatically rejected due to their tattoos or piercings. Some cite the long wait times, fainting and even the unfounded claim that giving blood would weaken the immune system as reasons why they could not and would not donate. 

Therefore, to counter these myths and misconceptions, Xavier frequently uses his platform to  reassure his peers of the extremely sanitary environment at bloodbanks and mobile blood drives.

“Giving blood takes only 15 minutes, and the process is very methodical. It’s not an ‘anyone can donate’ type of situation. Checks are done to ensure you are well enough to proceed, and when you’re approved to give, you will be very well taken care of, before, during and after the donation.”

Tattoos and piercings done with sterile, single use or disposable needles and single use ink will not affect a person’s blood donation eligibility. If unsure or otherwise, donors can donate blood three months after their last tattoo or piercing procedure.

In advocating for blood donation, Xavier hopes to encourage those around him to take the first step towards their own donation journey. One day, he hopes to organise a mobile blood drive at his workplace to encourage more of his colleagues to donate blood.

What began as a simple decision to give has grown into a personal mission for Xavier, and that is to remind others that saving lives does not always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it just takes 15 minutes and a willing heart.

By Clara Lim, Marketing & Communications
Edited by Eunice Sng, Volunteer