Ibrahim Rasheed, commonly known as Ibbe, has marked his 52nd blood donation, continuing a remarkable 23-year journey of uninterrupted blood giving.

Ibbe, who currently works at the Civil Service Commission, first attempted to donate blood 25 years ago while working as a schoolteacher. Although he was unable to pass the screening at the time due to not meeting the minimum required weight, he remained determined. After working to improve his health and ensuring he met the eligibility criteria, Ibbe began donating blood – and has not missed a single year since.

“I was interested in donating blood from a young age. Back then, we listened to appeals on the radio. Even when I couldn't donate, I knew that one day I would,” he told MMTV.

Beyond personal donations, Ibbe has been a driving force in promoting blood donation across the Maldives. As an active member of Maldivian Blood Donors, he has helped organise numerous blood camps and awareness programmes over the years.

“In those days, it was rare for companies or associations to hold blood donation drives,” he explained.

“But through our work, we encouraged resorts, offices, and NGOs to incorporate blood camps into their annual calendars. We also started celebrating Blood Donors’ Day and attending local and international conferences to learn and share knowledge.”

Ibbe now receives daily requests for help finding donors – a sign, he says, of growing public interest and awareness. For him, the satisfaction of donating and facilitating donations for others is deeply personal.

“Every time I donate, it brings immense joy. Watching the blood fill the pack, knowing it might save a life; it's an indescribable feeling. And when I connect someone in need with a donor, and I know the donation has happened, that joy multiplies.”

Though he primarily donates to the Maldivian Thalassemia Centre, Ibbe says that even when he is unable to donate himself, simply passing on a request is part of what he considers a shared human responsibility.

“As long as I am healthy, I will continue donating,” he said. “This is something everyone who can, should do.”