Post Event Message: 

The idea of organising our first IPP Blood Donation Drive came about when I visited the Blood Donation Bank at the Health Science Authority (HSA) building earlier this year. I was very well received by the staff and their cheerful attitude ignited my desire to contribute on a bigger scale. It dawned on me that if I could persuade others at my office building at 78 Shenton Way to do likewise, many more lives could be saved. Apparently, a single donor could save up to 3 lives; with a little sacrifice, one could make a significant and positive impact to the lives of others. The payoff was just too great to ignore. Immediately, I sought the assistance of the staff at the Singapore Red Cross to organize a blood donation drive at our office building and they were very responsive to the idea.

In preparation for the Blood Donation Drive, we distributed leaflets to all tenants in our building, floor by floor, door to door. It was encouraging that all tenants were receptive to the idea. Using a Mascot, we were also able to attract favourable responses on the streets surrounding our office premises and within 2 days, we managed to distribute close to 800 flyers. Many pledged verbally to participate and we were very optimistic about the turn up on the actual day.

On 30 August 2016, from 10am to 4pm, a steady stream of potential blood donors flowed into the donation centre on level 7. A good number were turned away at the pre-screening stage due to reasons such as long term medication, taking herbal medication, low blood count, high blood pressure and travelling to Malaria prone countries. As discouraging as it may have seemed, the drive was unaffected as by day’s end, there were 138 registered donors and we collected 96 pints of blood. Potentially, 288 lives could be saved! We were delighted by the result and so was the Singapore Red Cross. Better still, majority of the donors wanted to know when we were organising the next drive.

I am really grateful to all that were involved especially Mr. Ronnie Wong, our Kairos Advisory Group partner for giving me the opportunity to make this mission a reality and the enthusiastic encouragement from my teammates who reinforced my commitment to spearheading IPP’s first blood donation drive. Kairos Advisory Group have always been very supportive of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities, including regular visits to a local hospice. Ronnie has long cultivated a culture of giving within our group and which have guided me to lead a more fulfilling life.

I am also thankful to all advisers from other advisory groups that actively participated as without which, the drive may not have ran so smoothly.

Our CEO Mr. Tay Huai Eng was enthusiastic and supportive of the blood donation drive as it was in line with our CSR objectives.

We had received great moral and logistical support from Jones Lang LaSelle Property Consultants, headed by Complex Manager Mr. Teo Feng Fu. We are very grateful that we were able to use the vacant office unit at level 7 at no cost.

Our product providers also shared their joy in supporting the drive as they encouraged their staff to participate and willingly filled up our IPP goodie bags. They were given out to all blood donors, to show our appreciation and gratitude for taking time off their busy schedule and to recognise their benevolent contribution.

Our first IPP Blood Donation Drive was a successful one because of the high level commitment and good heartedness of everyone involved. I would like to thank God for his blessing and for surrounding us with such wonderful people. All Glory to him! I look forward to our second IPP Blood Donation Drive and I hope the success of this drive will not only inspire us to do more but also other organisations that have not yet taken the initiative for CSR, but want to make a positive difference in society. A little contribution from everyone could go a long way.

– written by Stephen Mok –

Date: 30th August 2016

Time: 10AM – 4PM

Venue: 7th Floor, 78 Shenton Way

Dress Code: Casual

Attendees: IPPFA Group Partners, Advisers, Corporate Staff, Invited Guests & Public