Kuala Lumpur, July 11, 2016 — In an effort to be of service to its community and in conjunction with the fasting month, Calvary Church on the 26th of June held its annual Blood Donation Drive that saw 161 church parishioners and the general public coming forward to donate.
Held together with the National Blood Bank (Pusat Darah Negara, PDN), this year’s drive saw many new donors in the four-hour drive and a total of 112 were successful donors.
“We are very encouraged by the eagerness of the donors to give their blood out of compassion for others,” said Associate Pastor Raymond Yong, head of the Calvary Church Social Concern Ministry.
“This is part of our social concern ministry to create greater awareness of the importance of ‘unconditional giving’ amongst our people and to meet the needs of the community,” he explained. “It is out of compassion that people are giving back to society.”
National Blood Bank, medical officer Dr Syazwan Syrin Ibrahim expressed her appreciation to Calvary Church on behalf of PDN for organizing the Blood Donation Drive yearly especially the support during the fasting month. The facilities and setup at the Calvary Convention Centre, Bukit Jalil, were ideal for the event held.
Her team of 12 staff thought that the donors who came were ‘happy’ to donate. “The donors today were very enthusiastic,” she said.
“Such efforts are very encouraged as it contributes towards making blood donation a culture in our society.”
For 21-year old Victoria Choi Vei Li who donated for the first time, conquered her fears and told herself that there is nothing to be afraid of.
“I feel that we all have one thing in common that keeps us all alive and united, blood. And so, if there is someone out there who needs it to save their lives, it is a privilege to give. That is what gave me the courage to give,” she said.
Husband and wife team who donates regularly, Anita and Abraham George, believe that it’s another way to contribute to the community and will also encourage their children to donate.
“Blood doesn’t see colour and you don’t know who you are giving to and who’s receiving it,” they said.
For more information on other upcoming activities, members of the public can call Calvary Church at 03-8999 5532 or visit www.calvary.org.my
About Calvary Church
Calvary Church Kuala Lumpur was established in 1968. Today, it is a well-established church recognized for its contribution toward building a positive society in a multi-cultural and multi-racial country.
Calvary’s dynamic programs impact children, youth, families and the elderly. Children are impacted through providing exposure and training in music and creative arts such as the orchestra program, children’s dramas and concerts. There are also programs for children with learning disabilities and special needs. Their youth programs include small group activities, leadership development training and opportunities for community services. The church regularly conducts pre-marital, parent and marriage enrichment seminars for couples and families. Their Calvary Sunshine Home provides day-care facilities as well as wholesome interaction for the elderly.
Calvary’s contributions to society include counseling services, visitations to the elderly and the disabled, and feeding programs to the homeless. Calvary has established a community welfare project called “Calvaryland” where the aged, orphaned and those marginalized by society are cared for and housed in a 10-acre facility in Sepang.
Calvary is also actively involved in humanitarian causes, having provided support and financial assistance to 18 countries that have been affected by natural disasters, outbreak of diseases and wars.
The Pastoral Team of Calvary is led by Senior Pastors Rev. Tan Sri (Dr) Prince Guneratnam and Puan Sri Petrina Guneratnam. Senior Pastor Prince Guneratnam has served as the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Malaysia and was the Chairman of the Christian Federation of Malaysia. In recognition of his meritorious services to the country and to the people, Senior Pastor Guneratnam was awarded the “Panglima Setia Mahkota” in 2008 and ‘”Panglima Jasa Negara” in 1999 by His Majesty, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. He was conferred the “General Superintendent Emeritus” by the Assemblies of God of Malaysia for his outstanding leadership, and has also received three honorary doctorate degrees, i.e. Doctor of Law, Doctor of Litterrarum, and Doctor of Divinity.
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