International students donate blood for local community

The Saudi students said they would donate blood again in the future

In an effort to show their appreciation to the local community, a number of international students USQ donated blood at the Toowoomba Blood Donor Centre on Monday May 31.

The students, who are members of the University’s Saudi Student Association, decided to donate blood as a way of contributing to the local community.

Mechanical Engineering student Mohammed Aljuaid said the students loved Australia and Toowoomba, and wanted to contribute to the community in a meaningful and vital way, and decided giving blood would have the most impact.

'I have been in Australia for almost two years, and love living here. Everyone has made me feel welcome and I am having a really good time,” he said.

'We decided to give the blood because we wanted to show our gratefulness to the community, and we thought that donating blood would help many people.'

Kirsten McGovern from Toowoomba’s Red Cross Blood Service said the students’ donation would save or improve the lives of 30 people.

'We are so grateful that the students gave up their time to come in and donate blood,'she said.

'Each donation we received will help save or improve three lives.

'It is wonderful to see the students support the community that they are a part of during their time in Toowoomba.'

In a sign of solidarity with Australia, the Saudi students had t-shirts and caps made with the Australian and Saudi Arabian flag, which they wore while they donated.

'Australia is a wonderful place and we have all had such a good experience here that we want to show people how happy we are to be living and studying in this country,’ Mohammed said.

The students said they enjoyed the experience and are planning to donate blood again in the future.

Contact Details:
Connie-Louise Rego, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2977 or 0400 025 429