A union of hearts, a gift of life

Morriss Malcolm Richard and Pilomina Sivagar’s wedding celebration featured a blood drive, in what is believed to be the first event of its kind in Malaysia. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

KUALA LUMPUR: A wedding is often a celebration of love. For one couple, it also became an opportunity to give the gift of life.

The wedding of Morriss Malcolm Richard and Pilomina Sivagar on June 21 was a grand affair, complete with lavish decorations, abundant food and all the trappings of a joyous celebration.

At the back of their beautifully decorated hall, however, was a sight rarely associated with weddings: chairs lined up alongside medical personnel.

The bride and groom had chosen to dedicate their special day to a greater cause by hosting what they believe to be Malaysia’s first wedding blood donation drive.

The RDA Damansara Hall was spectacularly decked out for the combined wedding and blood drive. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

“I was a bit nervous and excited because I think nothing like this has ever been done before. But I’m glad about how things have turned out,” Richard told FMT Lifestyle on the big day.

“I think that if just 10 to 20 people are inspired to donate, today will be a success,” added the 31-year-old.

While Indian weddings are often associated with grand celebrations and significant expense, Pilomina said they wanted their special day to have a deeper purpose.

“We thought, why not use this opportunity to give back to the community and help a good cause?”

Regular donors themselves, Richard and Pilomina dreamed of hosting a blood drive on their wedding day since they began dating. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

The wedding was held at RDA Damansara Hall in Bandar Sri Damansara, Petaling Jaya. Guests, many dressed in wedding finery, were given the opportunity to sign up and donate: an unusual yet heartwarming scene amidst the festivities.

Both regular blood donors themselves, Richard and Pilomina said the idea had been a dream of theirs since they began dating.

Richard recalled how a friend’s father had once struggled to obtain sufficient blood after medical treatment – something he believes should never happen.

“I hope this inspires more people to give the gift of life. Donating blood is a very important act,” Pilomina stressed.

They also expressed gratitude to Pilomina’s brother Siranjivi, who works in the medical field, for helping to organise the blood drive.

For guests, this wedding was certainly unusual – but it was all for a worthy cause. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)

All in all, about 34 people donated during the wedding. Among them was D Sathiadevan, 34, who hoped more events like this would be held in future.

“It was my first time donating blood at a wedding, and I’m truly happy to have had this meaningful experience. It feels great to know that a simple act can help save lives,” he said.