The joy of giving “red drops” of compassion

With a spirit of generosity and readiness to give precious blood, recent years have seen a growing number of individuals and families in Dong Nai recognized for their noble deeds. Their contributions not only help better meet the rising demand for blood in medical treatment but also bring hope and life to many patients.

Each blood donation brings Le Van Trung joy and happiness. Photo: Doan Hung

For those who give “red drops” of compassion, the true reward is the joy and happiness of knowing they have done something meaningful for society.

With a gentle, modest smile, Ha Van Dau from Phu Nguyen hamlet, Phu Rieng commune, began sharing the story of how he came to know about blood donation and his decision to make it a regular commitment. Dau recalled that during a donation drive organized by the Red Cross, he learned he had the rare O-negative blood type. After witnessing patients caught between life and death due to blood shortages, he resolved to continue donating to help save lives.

“Every time I donate blood, I feel the happiness of giving someone a chance to live, of helping patients through critical moments. Sharing these drops of blood is how I fulfill my responsibility to the community,” Dau shared.

When donating, blood donors receive free medical check-ups and counseling, along with a certificate of voluntary blood donation issued by the provincial or municipal blood donation steering committee. Beyond its symbolic value, the certificate entitles donors to blood reimbursement, up to the total volume they have donated, at hospitals and public medical facilities nationwide. This benefit is valid for the donor’s lifetime.

Not only Dau himself, but also his wife and son actively participate in blood donation. Together, the three family members have donated a total of 59 times, Dau with 39 donations, his wife with 17, and his son with 3.

Ha Van Hoang, Dau’s son, shared: “Seeing my parents actively participate in voluntary blood donation inspired me to join. Each time I give blood, I feel happy knowing I can contribute, even in a small way, to saving someone's life. It also helps me realize that to truly live is to share and spread compassion.”

Despite his age, Le Van Trung from Phu Lam hamlet, Phu Trung commune, still regularly sets aside time for one simple yet deeply humane act: voluntary blood donation. He believes that “giving drops of blood is not only a way to share life, but also a way to express love and spread the spirit of compassion throughout the community.”

Trung recalled: “Fifteen years ago, during a charity trip to a hospital, I saw patients in urgent need of blood but none available. From that day, I decided to become a blood donor.” In the past, donating blood was challenging because donation points were far away. “I had to rent a vehicle and spend the entire day traveling,” he said. “But now, with centers much closer, I never miss a drive, and so far, I’ve donated 25 times.”

“Each time I donate blood, I feel at ease knowing someone’s life may be saved. My wish is to continue donating until I reach the age limit or when I am no longer eligible,” Trung said.

Thanks to this noble act, Trung has received recognition and awards from various levels of government. Notably, in February 2025, he was honored with a certificate of merit from the former Binh Phuoc provincial People’s Committee for his contributions to the blood donation movement.

Ho Sy Xuyen, Chairman of the Phu Trung commune Red Cross Society, remarked: “Le Van Trung is one of the outstanding individuals in our voluntary blood donation movement. Every time the society launches a campaign, he participates with great enthusiasm. In addition to donating blood himself, Trung actively promotes the cause, encourages others to join, and shares his experience, helping to spread the spirit of voluntary blood donation throughout the community.”

Those who are willing to give “red drops of compassion” are essentially offering part of their life to others. They act quietly, without seeking gratitude from patients. Alongside other generous hearts in society, their presence brightens the picture of humanity and compassion.

By Doan Hung – Translated by M.Nguyet, Minho