News | Taiwan Blood Services Foundation ESG

       Every April is a month filled with gratitude. Blood centers across Taiwan hold annual recognition ceremonies to express sincere thanks to blood donors, corporations, organizations, schools, and volunteers for their enthusiastic participation. As emcee Chen Shu-Li of this year’s Taipei Blood Center recognition event stated: “Blood donation should not just be considered a public welfare activity. It is a symbol of selfless dedication, a gesture of respect for life, and an act of love that embodies care for others.” At this moment, countless groups united by kindness and compassion gathered together, with the venue filled with warmth, smiles, and a powerful sense of positive energy, allowing all present to deeply feel the strength of love and the warmth of society.

       The “2024 Outstanding Blood Donor Recognition Ceremony” was held on April 20, 2025, at CPC Corporation's Guoguang Hall in Taipei. Distinguished guests included Taipei Deputy Mayor Lin Yi-Hua, MOE Lifelong Education Department Commissioner Ji Xian-Yang, MND Medical Affairs Director Zeng Yuan-Sheng, Taipei City Health Bureau Director Huang Jian-Hua, New Taipei City Health Bureau Chief Secretary Lin Hui-Ping, Keelung Health Bureau Director Zhang Xian-Zheng, Taiwan Blood Services Foundation Chairman Hou Sheng-Mao, CEO Wang Zong-Xi, and Blood Donation Association Vice Chairman Wei Sheng-Tang. In the individual category, 4,705 donors gave over 100 units of whole blood, and 2,999 donors gave over 100 apheresis units. A total of 531 donors received honorary medals, 74 received honorary plaques, and 14 received honorary badges. In the group category, awards were given to 127 institutions, 14 special contribution units, 11 schools, and 6 military units.
 
       The ceremony opened with Shilin Elementary School Choir performing “The Moon Represents My Heart” and “Happy Paradise.” Deputy Mayor Lin Yi-Hua joined the second performance with Principal Wu Ming-Yu and the students. Coincidentally, the event also marked the school’s 130th anniversary, making the performance even more meaningful.


Taipei Deputy Mayor Lin Yi-Hua (front left) joins Shilin Elementary School Choir in performing “Happy Paradise.”

       Taiwan Blood Services Foundation Chairman Hou Sheng-Mao began by thanking all the guests. He emphasized that this gratitude represented not only himself and the Foundation but also all blood recipients nationwide. Although Taiwan faced a few blood shortages last year, supply and demand remained balanced. Blood usage in medical institutions even decreased by 2.3% compared to the previous year, avoiding major crises. He especially thanked all kind-hearted groups for donating blood donation vehicles and transport vans, which greatly improved service efficiency. Most worthy of admiration are the donors and organizations, hailed as “Guardian Bodhisattvas,” whose selfless efforts maintain a stable national blood supply. Taiwan’s current donation rate is 8%, the highest in the world—a shared honor earned by countless quiet contributors.


Chairman Hou Sheng-Mao expresses deepest gratitude on behalf of blood recipients nationwide.
 
       In her speech on behalf of Taipei City Government, Deputy Mayor Lin Yi-Hua expressed sincere appreciation to all donors and organizations. “Today, we are not the stars of the show—we are here with thankful hearts. You have not only donated blood, but hope and life. You truly embody the role of national guardian Bodhisattvas.” This year, 2,035 awardees hailed from Taipei, including 1,205 whole blood donors and 830 apheresis donors. These were not one-time donations, but long-term acts of compassion. She also recognized the long-standing efforts of many organizations and NGOs that continually support Taiwan’s stable blood supply system.
 
       Lin added that she has observed many local organizations regularly host donation events with remarkable impact. “Taiwan’s goodness is reflected in these actions,” she said. She felt honored to join the event and expressed hope that more citizens will take part in this meaningful endeavor.
 
       Among the 137 recognized groups, the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) was notably represented by President Pan Wei-Kang, who received the award on stage with immense joy and gratitude. Between 2004 and 2024, BLIA members collected 1,112,506 units of blood (278,014,000 cc). This remarkable achievement reflects their long-term care for society and embodies the Buddhist values of compassion and empathy. The late Venerable Master Hsing Yun designated the three Buddhist Treasures Days as “Blood Donation Gratitude Days,” encouraging action through compassion. President Pan shared emotionally: “We often speak of repaying the Four Great Kindnesses. With gratitude and a desire to give back, we offer our blood so that individuals and families may regain vitality and hope. We will continue these meaningful activities and make blood donation a part of our daily lives, ensuring that love and hope never cease.”


Deputy Mayor Lin Yi-Hua (center) presents a certificate of appreciation to BLIA President Pan Wei-Kang.
 
       During the military awards segment, Chairman Hou Sheng-Mao again expressed heartfelt appreciation to the armed forces. He acknowledged their dual role in national defense and public welfare, especially in blood donation. Military personnel contribute 5% of Taiwan’s total annual blood donations, reflecting strong social responsibility. What moved him most was their consistent, rapid response during national shortages, showcasing exceptional mobility and unity. On behalf of the military, MND Medical Affairs Director Zeng Yuan-Sheng received a certificate of appreciation in recognition of their noble efforts.


Chairman Hou Sheng-Mao (center) presents a certificate of appreciation to Director Zeng Yuan-Sheng of the MND Medical Affairs Department.


Director Zeng Yuan-Sheng (second from left) presents awards to outstanding military donor units.
 
       New Taipei City Health Bureau Chief Secretary Lin Hui-Ping, attending on behalf of Mayor Hou You-Yi, expressed immense gratitude and admiration to all attendees. She was moved by witnessing so many donors, groups, and volunteers dedicating themselves to good deeds. She strongly agreed with the speeches of Chairman Hou and Deputy Mayor Lin, emphasizing that every blood donor is a living Bodhisattva—donating not just blood, but spreading compassion and hope. She expressed the hope that this powerful force of good can extend from Taiwan to the world, showcasing the beauty and warmth of Taiwan. She ended by urging everyone to keep supporting blood donation and to invite more people to join this meaningful cause.


Chief Secretary Lin Hui-Ping presents awards to individual donors with 100–130 units of whole blood.
 
       Keelung City Health Bureau Director Zhang Xian-Zheng, on behalf of Mayor Hsieh Kuo-Liang, also thanked donors, groups, and volunteers for their long-term dedication. He stated that blood donation represents a flow and cycle of love. Sometimes, people from other cities donate while visiting Taipei, while Taipei residents give blood when traveling south. This mutual support is key to maintaining Taiwan’s healthcare resilience.


Director Zhang Xian-Zheng (7th from left) presents awards to individual apheresis donors with 350–1000 units.
 
       Guandu Temple, located near Taipei Blood Center, is not only a kind neighbor but also actively promotes blood donation to spread kindness and love. In 2017, the temple formed the “Gan-Dou-Ma Drum Troupe” to carry the temple’s mission through performance. At the ceremony, the troupe performed “Surging Passion, Flying Love,” with powerful and synchronized drumming, honoring donors and supporters. The performance aimed to inspire passion and attract more young people to the donation movement.


Gan-Dou-Ma Drum Troupe gives a powerful, synchronized drumming performance.


MOE Commissioner Ji Xian-Yang (4th from left) presents awards to outstanding donor schools.
 
       The ceremony invited donors to share their stories. Mr. Hou Jian-Ting, now 34, made his first donation at 17 while taking a break from cram school. Encouraged by a donation van volunteer, he and a few classmates gave blood on impulse. “We thought the slogan ‘one bag of blood, one life saved’ was cool,” he said. That simple act sparked his 17-year blood donation journey.
 
       What deeply reinforced his resolve was a TV segment at Nanhai Donation Room about fighter pilot Hsu De-Ying, who underwent 14 surgeries and received 7000cc of blood after an accident. Inspired by those who had helped him, Hsu vowed to repay the kindness through donation. Hou was moved by this story and realized the profound impact of each unit of donated blood.
 
       Every year on December 31, Hou makes it a point to donate blood, treating it as a personal ritual of renewal. It’s not just a habit, but a commitment—to end each year with a warm act of love.
 
       His story moved many guests, reminding everyone of the joy and meaning in blood donation. Every unit of blood is a selfless act of love, and when such acts come together, they form a powerful force that sustains life and ensures the endless cycle of kindness and love in society.


Donor Hou Jian-Ting (right) shares his story during an interview with emcee Chen Shu-Li (left).


Chairman Hou Sheng-Mao (4th from left) presents an honorary badge to a donor with over 2,000 units.


Chairman Hou Sheng-Mao (4th from left) presents an honorary plaque to a donor with over 1,000 units.


Chairman Hou Sheng-Mao (6th from left) presents award to donor with 1050–2300 apheresis units. (Photo: Su Dong-Xing)


CEO Wang Zong-Xi (5th from left) presents awards to outstanding donor organizations.


Vice Chairman Wei Sheng-Tang (4th from left) presents honorary medal to donor with 500 apheresis units.


Director Lin Min-Chang (center) presents appreciation certificate to event support unit.