2015 blood drive is most successful in five years

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Madison Kwok, Reporter

Club Med has hosted Sacred Hearts Academy’s annual blood drive for the Blood Bank of Hawaii for 20 years.

This year’s drive produced 58 pints, the largest number since 2010. Thanks to the generosity of donors, the donations surpassed the goal of 54 pints.

Senior Daisy Panganiban gave blood for the first time.

“I was nervous because I didn’t know what to expect and I was most nervous about being rejected because I really wanted to give blood. I was very proud of myself for giving blood although it took very long. I was glad that I was able to save at least three lives,” said Panganiban

Of the 88 donors, 37 were first-time donors. Thirty volunteers were rejected for various reasons.

This year’s drive saw the largest number of participants since 2011 and the highest number of donors since 2004.

Club Med adviser, Elizabeth Sutter, said, “One of the struggles was getting people to sign up in a timely manner. I’m so proud that we had four more people than last year. I’m surprised so many people are willing to try to do it [give blood]. I was over my quota, so we got more people than our quota, and there were a lot of first-time donors. We always think Sacred Hearts’ girls are life-long learners, so hopefully they will continue to give blood in the future.”

“It was not just about the extra credit. I wanted to do something to help contribute to the people,” said Panganiban.