On Thursday, 23 January 2025, at the National Blood Centre, Thai Red Cross Society, Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) Co., Ltd., the leader of health enrichment products under BRAND’S trademark in Thailand and Asia, commemorated its 25th year of promoting blood donation through the “BRAND’S Young Blood” project. This initiative aims to raise awareness and foster a culture of altruism among Thai youth and the new generation by encouraging them to donate blood without expecting anything in return. Additionally, the project provides a platform for Thai youth to showcase their creativity through various competitive activities.
Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) Co., Ltd., along with the National Blood Centre, Thai Red Cross Society, held a press conference to announce the launch of the project “BRAND’S Young Blood….Give Blood Give Lives 2025.” This initiative, marking the 25th anniversary of the project, aims to engage younger individuals in blood donation. The project’s goal is to encourage university-level students to donate blood regularly, every three months, to maintain adequate reserves for emergencies. The target is to collect 125,000 units of blood within 2025. Porsche Sivakorn Adulsuttikul, a rising star actor, also joined the press conference to represent the new generation and highlight the significance of blood donation.
Mrs. Mathuvalee Stithyudhakarn, Regulatory Affairs and Corporate Affairs Director, Thailand and Indochina, Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) Co., Ltd., stated that the company’s commitment to the value of “Giving Back to Society” led to the introduction of the “BRAND’S Young Blood” project. The project has now reached its 25th year, reflecting its success in fostering a society built on giving. This initiative, in collaboration with the National Blood Centre, Thai Red Cross Society, aims to encourage youth and new generations to donate blood for the first time and continue donating every three months, thereby increasing blood reserves for emergencies. The project has received positive annual responses from new generation donors aligning with its goals. Furthermore, the project organized various competitions such as Infographic creation, Short Song Writing, Dance, and T-Shirt Design contests, aimed at raising awareness and providing knowledge about blood donation preparation on a broader scale.
“The BRAND’S Young Blood is one of the company’s key projects, showcasing our commitment to societal contributions. For the 2024 campaign, we raised 122,792 units of donated blood, exceeding the target of 100,000 units. This achievement highlights the success of instilling a responsible mindset within students, who represent a vital force in driving Thailand’s future. We believe that fostering a spirit of giving is fundamental in creating sustainable positive changes in society. For the 2025 campaign, BRAND’S Young Blood has set a goal of collecting 125,000 units of blood, marking an increase of 25,000 units from the previous year’s target of 100,000 units, in celebration of the project's 25thanniversary. We intend to meet the target by implementing two primary activities: 1) Initiatives to support blood donation at mobile units through roadshows in educational institutions within Bangkok, its surrounding areas, and other regions; and 2) Competition designed to promote the project and present innovative ideas to raise awareness of blood donation among youth on a large scale. Both activities will complement each other to achieve the objective of raising donor awareness, thereby fostering sustainable blood donation among Thai youth. Interested individuals can find more details at https://thaibloodcentre.redcross.or.th , www.suntorybeverageandfood.co.th, and Facebook: BRAND’S World Thailand.”
Assoc. Prof. Dootchai Chaiwanichsiri, Director of the National Blood Centre, Thai Red Cross Society, stated that the National Blood Center is responsible for supplying blood in sufficient quantities, with the highest quality according to international standards, and ensuring safety for both donors and recipients. It is commendable that the private sector, such as Suntory Beverage & Food (Thailand) Co., Ltd., the manufacturer and distributor of BRAND’S Essence of Chicken, recognizes the importance of promoting blood donation among the younger generation to support activities of the Thai Red Cross Society, as blood donation is essential and has no substitute. While hospitals across the country have an average daily demand of 7,500–8,500 units of blood, only 3,200–3,800 units, or 42.67–44.71 percent, can be supplied on average. As for blood donation among youth, it currently accounts for only 11 percent of total donors, compared to 24 percent before the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the private sector has a crucial responsibility in raising awareness among youth about the significance of blood donation, as there are patients in need of blood every second.
It is important to note that blood donation is not detrimental to the donor’s health. Donating 350-450 cc of blood at a time constitutes approximately 10-12% of the total blood volume in the body. Post-donation, the bone marrow will continuously produce new blood cells to replenish the lost supply. It is recommended that donors take iron supplements, one tablet per day after meals, until the prescribed amount provided by the Red Cross is consumed. This measure compensates for the iron lost during blood donation, enabling regular and sustainable donation practices.
The winners of the Static Visual Media Infographic Design contest under the “BRAND’S Young Blood…..Give Blood Give Lives 2024” have been announced. Team L&J, comprising Miss Pitsinee Phansuwan and Miss Vipavanee Chavananon from Bangkok University, won first place with a 20,000 baht scholarship. The 1st runner-up, Miss Peerada Chatkaewmanee from Bangkok University, received 10,000 baht, while the 2nd runner-up, Miss Papichaya Sangnak from King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, was awarded 5,000 baht. Consolation prizes (2,000 baht each) were given to Miss Najan Muang-am, Miss Supattha Worawong and Miss Sasina Mathongdang from King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang; Miss Vipada Surawattananon from Silpakorn University; Mr. Teerapat Sindee and Miss Chanika Areesanan from Rangsit University and Miss Phannita Phetaiam from King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang.
In the T-shirt design contest, the 2nd runner-up is Miss Kanyakorn Rotjanakrittaya from Chulalongkorn University, receiving a 5,000-baht scholarship. The two honorable mentions are Mr. Teerapat Prawadsri and Miss Jittaya Buamuenvai, also from Chulalongkorn University, each receiving a 2,000-baht scholarship. Additionally, all winners at every level will receive free BRAND’S Essence of Chicken for a year.
Young people interested in joining “BRAND’S Young Blood 2025” can find event details on Facebook at BRAND’S World Thailand or visit https://thaibloodcentre.redcross.or.th or www.suntorybeverageandfood.co.th
