TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taichung MRT (TMRT) will begin its annual blood drive on Friday (May 3) at Taichung City Hall Station Exit 1.

The blood drive, in cooperation with Union Bank, hopes to increase the number of blood donations from 150 in 2023 to 300 in 2024. Gifts have been arranged to encourage more people to donate blood, including NT$500 (US$15) Wowprime gift certificates, per a TMRT press release.

TMRT began hosting blood drives in 2021, and the public has been enthusiastic to donate each year. The event was expanded this year, with extra nurses, gifts to blood donors, and a pop-up market offering light snacks.

Anyone who donates 250 c.c. of blood qualifies for a Wowprime gift certificate. Those who give 500 c.c. of blood qualify for an additional gift pack limited to 300. The first 100 people to give blood quality for odor-resistant socks.

In addition to blood donation stations, China Medical University will set up another station, where medical experts will provide health consultation services.

TMRT arranged seven blood donation times: 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 p.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Those wishing to donate blood must bring their health insurance card and ID for a quick health assessment to confirm they meet conditions.