35 for Life: Every Drop Counts, Every Life Matters
HKUST turns 35 this year. Let us celebrate by saving lives.
In partnership with the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, HKUST is launching 35 for Life – a year-long blood donation campaign that turns our milestone into meaningful action.
Hong Kong needs around 650 donations daily to meet the needs of all hospitals across the city, but collections regularly fall short during holidays and seasonal lulls. We can help close that gap.
With 35 blood drives organized across our Clear Water Bay and Guangzhou campuses, we make it easier than ever for you to contribute. Students, faculty, staff or alumni – everyone can participate. Together, let us demonstrate that true impact isn’t just measured by what we achieve, but by what we give.
Find out when our next blood drive is and support 35 for Life!
Co-organizers: Dean of Students’ Office, Health, Safety and Environment Office, Shaw Auditorium
Supporting units: School of Science, School of Engineering, School of Business and Management, School of Humanities and Social Science, Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies, Development and Alumni Office, Sustainability/Net-Zero Office, HKUST Library, Campus Management Office, Campus Services Office
The Challenge
- Over the past decade, the number of active blood donors in Hong Kong has fallen by 24%, creating a persistent gap between supply and medical demand.
- The most critical decline is among us. Participation from donors aged 16-30 has plummeted from 45% to just 17%.
- Hong Kong’s donation rate (1.7% of our population) currently lags behind other developed economies like Japan (4%) and South Korea (2.4%). We have the capacity to do better.
What We Can Do
Become a Blood Donor
Our city targets 650 units of blood daily to sustain clinical transfusions across our hospitals. A healthy supply doesn't just handle emergencies—it ensures that patients needing surgeries and treatments receive the care they need. Your single donation can save 3 people and more.
Donating blood takes less time than a standard lecture. Here is what to expect from the moment you walk in.
Sign up to Volunteer
Cannot donate at this moment? Join us as a Volunteer to promote and support at the blood drives. You can help us spread the word and encourage your peers to sign up for a donation!
Every Drop Counts
📆Upcoming blood drive: 5 - 7 March
As a token of appreciation, we have prepared special gifts and recognition for HKUST blood donors.
 | The 35 for Life Keychain HKUST members who sign up to donate blood at our campus drives will receive a limited-edition souvenir, exclusively designed for the university to mark the start of your lifesaving journey. |
 | Your Blood Type Charm Donate the 2nd time at any of our 35 drives and receive your unique blood type charm to add to your 35 for Life keychain. This is our small way of saying thank you for stepping up and being part of this meaningful action. Wear your identity proudly and inspire others to donate! |
 | Donate at least 3 times between 1 December 2025 and 30 November 2026 at any of our 35 blood drives or at the Donor Center downtown to be recognized at our closing ceremony and receive a prize. Example: 1st donation in March on campus, 2nd donation in June in Donor Center, 3rd donation in October on campus. You did it! |
[Exclusive for those aged 16-25]  | The Young Donor Medal by Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Services Donate 3 times between the ages of 16-25 to earn the Young Donor Medal in recognition of your sustained commitment to the well-being of our community. |