Dozens of Indians living in Shanghai gathered at the Shanghai Blood Center on Sept 7 to donate blood, offering a life-saving gift for patients in need and beautifully illustrating how compassion transcends borders.

Organized by the Indian Association in Shanghai, this charity event has been held for 11 consecutive years, becoming a shining example of international community service.

Over the past 11 years, it has attracted 1,478 Indian donors, contributing a total of 2,115 units of blood (1 unit = 200 ml). This makes it the longest-running and largest blood donation effort in the city by a single expat community.

Both new and regular donors took part in the event. Nishtha and Himanshu, board members of the Indian Association, helped coordinate the event and also donated.

"Shanghai is our second home," said Nishtha, echoing a sentiment shared by many. Himanshu said they want to give back to the city they love through tangible actions.

For Gopal, who recently moved to Shanghai, it was his first time donating in the city. Others, like Ravi and Soudamini, a couple living in Shanghai for over two decades, returned to donate again, while their children volunteered as translators.

Other young volunteers from local schools and the Indian community also helped with communication and logistics.

The event also featured cultural exchanges, including traditional Indian dance and Chinese craft demonstrations like fan-painting and dough figurines.

With Shanghai requiring 1,800 units of blood daily to meet clinical demand, initiatives like this are essential in helping to meet this vital need.

 

Source: Shanghai Observer