SINGAPORE - Staff and members of the public donated 136 units of blood at Singapore Press Holdings' twice yearly blood donation drive yesterday.

Some 197 people turned up to give blood, though 61 could not donate due to medical conditions.

Now in its 15th year, the SPH Red Apple Day is to encourage blood donations, especially during festive periods when blood supplies usually run low.

Mr Alan Chan, chief executive officer of SPH, said: "Despite recent reports of dwindling blood donor numbers in Singapore, it is heartening to see so many staff and members of the public stepping forward to offer the gift of life at the SPH Red Apple Day.

"SPH will continue to support this meaningful cause as we face an ever increasing need for blood donations."

Around 60 teachers, students and their parents from Beatty Secondary School participated in yesterday's drive.

Among them was Kevin Tan, 16, who was donating for the first time. The secondary four student said: "I see it as way to do a good deed and to do my small part to save lives."