For the half-century of serving in the labor field, the Renum Novarum Center has always stood with the laborers on the frontline, accompanying them in the face of generational changes, providing for needs and responses, and enabling them to fulfill their responsibilities in the workplace and demonstrate their dignity.
Due to the changing demands of the labor market, the number of foreign immigrant workers in Taiwan has also increased, exceeding 730,000 in 2012. In the process of aiding foreign immigrant workers, the Renum Novarum Center saw the culture of the immigrant country of their own country. While the laborers integrated with the Taiwanese social culture, negative perspectives against them were produced, such as stereotypical discrimination, disapproval of their ethnicity and culture, etc. The two sides have an inability to communicate due to the unequal power structure, resulting in the many obstacles sprouting from cultural integration.
In order to promote the integration of immigrant workers and Taiwanese society in a more friendly manner, the Renum Novarum Center hosted a blood donation event, “Donate Blood to Spread Love, Turning the World,” on April 28, 2012, with the immigrant workers as the targets. Gratitude to the Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, The Fisheries Department, Keelung City Police Department, Keelung District Fishermen's Association, Keelung Fishermen's Professional Union, and Taipei Blood Donation Center for their assistance in the process.
We hope that the current widespread ischemia caused by the general unwillingness to donate blood due to the current epidemic can be resolved by calling on foreign migrant workers to voluntarily roll up their sleeves to donate blood and provide friendly aid to Taiwan’s need, and show their willingness for social integration form their hearts.
On the day of the event, the sun was shining blazingly, and the blood donation vehicle arrived at Badouzi Fishing Port early in the morning. Director Zhong Jialing led colleagues, volunteers, and partners from the Jesuit Magis Youth Center to arrange the required equipment and materials, arrange this first-ever immigrant worker-centered blood donation event, and plan routes for smooth walk-flow. Since the blood donation centers have more experience in accepting blood donations from Taiwanese nationals, they have less experience in donating blood from foreigners, let alone foreign migrant workers, with whom they have almost no experience with.
Since the beginning of the event, many foreign fishermen gathered beside the blood donation vehicle. From the confirmation of donation qualification to the chaos of the document filing, and the language obstacle between the medical staff and the immigrant workers, a suitable method was worked out under the coordination from the Renum Novarum Center, allowing all qualified fishermen to successfully complete the blood donation.
During the event, there were also kind-hearted fishermen employers who drove the fishermen to donate blood. We felt the employers' support and recognition for the fisherman's blood donation to help Taiwan. Many family care workers and new residents also came to participate in the blood donation activity. Many of them were donating blood for the first time. They seemed nervous and curious. But at the same time, they felt the joy of helping Taiwan.
A fisherman told us that when he found out that there was a blood donation activity at the port, he asked his employer for leave to donate blood. He wanted to try an activity that he had never done before, and he also wanted to help those in need by giving others what he had. Some family care workers also asked whether blood donation can be done frequently in the future in order to help Taiwan and also help their own health. Some new residents even brought soy milk and fried dough sticks to the staff, thanking them for organizing such an event so that their fellow countrymen can help the needs of Taiwan through blood donation activities and change the negative perception of the public towards foreign migrant workers.
At the event, the Keelung District Fisherman's Association gave everyone who successfully donated blood a tail of larvae, regardless of nationality. The Renum Novarum Center also provides moisture-proof pads to migrant workers who have successfully donated blood. If migrant workers do not meet the blood donation requirements, a short-sleeved T is also given as a gift as a sign of appreciation for their enthusiasm. The Fisheries Department also provided handbags to migrant workers who donated blood, thanking them for their willingness. The Keelung City Police Department also used this event to promote anti-fraud for foreign migrant workers to protect them from being scammed in a foreign country and getting into trouble.
Throughout the entire day of blood donation activity, a total of 67 bags of 250cc blood were collected from 55 people, including 25 foreign fishermen and 30 Taiwanese nationals, including people from the port community, sea patrols, fishing associations, and government agencies. We completed this blood donation event together, showing that there is no difference between everyone. We all wish to use our abilities to help those who are in need and to provide for this land.
Through this event, foreign migrant workers know how they could help the needs of Taiwanese society, while the Taiwanese society felt the kindness and enthusiasm of foreign migrant workers. They are willing to put aside their prejudices and treat each other more kindly. Whether in work or in life, workers can be treated with kindness and equality.
The New Affairs Social Service Center is a social service organization dedicated to caring for disadvantaged individuals in the workplace, striving to promote a society where resources are shared for the common good. They have long been committed to improving the quality of life for migrant workers and elderly care, co-creating a harmonious society for migrant workers and employers. They help marginalized groups who suffer from exploitation and injustice, and they invite you to become their guardians. Your donation will help these vulnerable individuals in overcoming their difficulties and obtaining assistance for their rights. Please click(“I want to donate") or call (02) 2397-1933 #122. Thank you for your response and concern!
