MANDALUYONG, PHILIPPINES — The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and Jungkookies, the dedicated fan group of BTS member Jungkook, have once again demonstrated that fandom can be a powerful force for good as they host their third annual bloodletting activity on August 24 at the PRC Logistics and Multipurpose Center (PLMC).

The blood donation drive, dubbed “Golden X Unity: United to Save Lives,” aims to unite ARMYs (BTS fans) and highlight the critical importance of blood donation in saving lives. The event was also held in anticipation of Jungkook’s 27th birthday on September 1, 2024, giving fans a meaningful way to honor their idol by contributing to a life-saving cause.

“Blood donors are heroes, and the blood they give is free. As the major blood supplier in the country, the PRC is committed to providing safe and quality blood supply for all,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon.

JV Vidal, Jungkookies’ Head Admin, expressed the fan group’s heartfelt motivation, saying, “This is our way of expressing our love for Jungkook and celebrating his birthday more meaningfully by saving lives. We, Jungkook fans, are not asking for anything in return. I hope that by organizing this kind of activity, we help to spread awareness on the importance of blood donation.”

Highlighting the inclusive spirit of the event, 47-year-old Cristina Antinero, a first-time blood donor and a member of the Red Cross 143 volunteer program since 2018, shared that her six children influenced her to become an ARMY. “Age is not a hindrance to becoming an ARMY and a blood donor,” she added, embodying the event’s message that everyone can contribute to saving lives.

PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang emphasized the PRC’s extensive resources to support blood donation efforts: “With PRC’s 108 blood service facilities, 32 blood centers, 76 blood collecting stations, and 15 apheresis centers across the nation, there is sufficient blood supply at the Red Cross.”

The successful bloodletting activity, which ran from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., gathered 143 blood units from ARMYs and walk-in donors. Since its inception in 2022, the joint bloodletting initiative has collected a total of 401 blood units, reflecting the remarkable impact that fan-driven efforts can have on public health.

For blood donations, blood requests, and other inquiries, email the PRC National Blood Services at [email protected] and [email protected] or contact the PRC Blood Call Center by dialing 143 and 1158 nationwide.