Hundreds of young people have joined "Saigon Sun Rays,” a blood donation drive held last weekend reflecting the fashion, lifestyle and technology of Ho Chi Minh City in decades gone by.

The event took place on Sunday morning at the Sports Center of Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc District, on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City.

The event was organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Red Journey Club, Ho Chi Minh City Humanitarian Blood Donation Center, and Red Cross Organization of Thu Duc District.

Commenting on the event’s look, Huynh Van Hieu, vice-chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Red Journey Club, said the idea came from a desire to establish a bond amongst donors, offer a breath of fresh air, and appeal to youth as well as the wider community.

“We’re trying to spread the message that blood donation saves lives. They deserve the best service,” he said.

Apart from the significant contribution of blood that they made, donors were also immersed in old-style Vietnamese calligraphy and a photo exhibition reflecting the Ho Chi Minh City of a bygone era.

"Saigon Sun Rays" is the annual blood donation event of the Ho Chi Minh City Red Journey Club, occurring every November.

The campaign aims to highlight the benefits of blood donation, to call for donors and to promote awareness of the activity at both a municipal and national level.

The Ho Chi Minh City Red Journey Club, part of the Ho Chi Minh City Humanitarian Blood Donation Center, is a pioneering youth organization promoting blood donation in Ho Chi Minh City.

Donor Mai Thi Quy said, "It's pretty cool to donate blood this way. This is the first time I've joined such a special occasion." Photo: Tuoi Tre

Young donors sign up in the morning. Photo: Tuoi Tre

A doctor does a health check-up for one donor. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Volunteers from the Ho Chi Minh City Red Journey Club. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Between the blood donation vans are photo exhibitions. Photo: Tuoi Tre

An old-style scooter takes young couples back in time. Photo: Tuoi Tre

A calligraphy artist at work during "Saigon Sun Rays." Photo: Tuoi Tre

Young donors pose for a picture after donating blood. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Volunteers in ao dai, the Vietnamese traditional dress, add a touch of antiquity to the event. Photo: Tuoi Tre

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