Ten international volunteers donated blood at the Garden City residential estate in Nanshan District, Shenzhen, on Friday.

Bruno Schuyten from Belgium, Duiu Onofrei from Romania and American John Becker were among them.

“When you come to Shenzhen, you become a Shenzhener. Though we are foreigners, our hearts stick to China and Shenzhen,” Onofrei said.

It was the first time for Brazilians Igor Marques and Juliana Cristina, both 20, to have donated blood in China.

When asked if she was afraid, Cristina smiled and said: “I’m still afraid. I didn’t expect the needle to be so thick. But when I think my blood will save someone’s life, I think it’s worth it. So I’ll keep up the courage to do it.”

Ormonova Renata from Kyrgyzstan joined the group with her friend Koolyash Fleming. She had donated blood one week ago and came to donate again after learning hospitals are in need of blood for COVID-19 patients. She said they were inspired by Dr. Zhang Wenhong, leader of a Shanghai team of experts in the treatment of COVID-19.

“The only thing you have to keep in mind before donating is that your blood will be life-saving for many people.”

The event was organized by the Nanshan International Cultural Exchange & Services Center.

After the donation, the volunteers give suggestions on encouraging people to take part in voluntary blood donation. Marques called for more publicity on social media.(Chen Junlin)