On 31st December 2019, Busan Ilbo (Busan Daily) published an article entitled “'Shincheonji' Andrew Tribe Training Institute hosts final blood donation event of 2019.” This is a translation of that article.

The final blood donation event was held this year at Shincheonji Church of Jesus' Andrew Tribe Training Institute. 252 people from Shincheonji Volunteer Group participated in the event. (Photo provided by Shincheonji Volunteer Group's East Busan branch)

Blood donations have plunged due to the end of year and New Year holidays, alongside the bitter cold, leading to a nationwide shortage of blood supplies.

Moreover, as schools, which account for a high proportion of blood donations, are on holiday, hospitals have failed to receive half the amount of blood required.

It has always been difficult to supply blood in Busan where, in comparison to other regions, blood resources are low.

Amidst this climate, Shincheonji Volunteer Group's East Busan branch continues help give blood, becoming the 'light and salt' for Busan.

Shincheonji Volunteer Group's East Busan branch (managed by Se Seul-gi) donated four blood bank vehicles to the Korean Red Cross' Blood Center on New Year's Eve from 9am-5pm in Busan. People gathered to give blood.

Mr. Myung-ho Kim (25), who participated in making a blood donation, said, “I'd heard that blood donations drop sharply during the winter months, so I wanted to give blood. My mother was in great need of blood. I know this might be something small for local patients, but I hope it helps."

Ms. Sun-hee Lee (26), who also gave blood, said, “I thought I must do it if the need is there.” Ms. Lee said, “Shincheonji has been actively donating high amounts of blood in Busan. I hope this will help resolve existing prejudices and misunderstandings. I am actively involved in their volunteer work to make known that it is a good organisation."

This year (2019), more than 2000 people gave blood, which is more than 90% of the annual target of  2200 set by Busan Regional Religious Organization.

A spokesperson for Busan Blood Center said, “Blood donations are dropping sharply in the winter months and holidays. We rely heavily on teenagers and those in their twenties, so when the holidays come it's easy for blood supplies to fall." The spokesperson said, "Thank you for volunteering to give blood. Whenever we lead blood donation campaigns, you always participate willingly. Shincheonji Volunteer Group is an indispensable organization when it comes to aiding in blood supplies in Busan."

Shincheonji Volunteer Group's East Busan branch has participated in giving blood since 2012, with participation from more than 3300 people.

Shincheonji Volunteer Group received the 'President's Award' on November 13th for its contribution. 

In response, Je Dong Seol-gi, head of East Busan branch, said, “Shincheonji Church of Jesus is actively carrying out voluntary community work that shares the Gospel throughout the region."

To read the article as it appeared in Busan Ilbo (Daily), please click here⇨https://bit.ly/2sRFMkG

Shincheonji Volunteer Group belongs to Shincheonji Church of Jesus, The Temple of the Tabernacle of The Testimony. 250,000 volunteers in 72 church branches throughout South Korea serve on projects, campaigns and initiatives focused on supporting marginalized neighbors, improving road safety, environmental cleanup campaigns, preparing and delivering lunches for the underprivileged, 'kimchi-sharing', hair and beauty care services, and painting murals.