Local companies are queuing up to take part in the annual Corporate Blood Drive, hoping to be crowned the new blood donor champions.

The drive is aimed at helping maintain vital blood supplies for patients at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

As of last week, 17 staff from Bacardi, 11 from Argus and 9 from Ariel Re have given blood.

The competition is organised by the Bermuda Blood Donor Centre in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Seniors.

Eyitayo Fakunle, consultant haematologist, said: “The Corporate Blood Drive is meant to be fun and morale boosting — it’s all about people coming together to benefit the community.

“The blood donated through the competition is adding to the regular donor pool to save lives and treat many patients each day in Bermuda.

“We are very grateful to all our competing businesses and regular donors but special mention has to be made at this point for Bacardi, Argus and Ariel Re who have been active in organising special blood drives.

“The competition is definitely heating up this year. Bacardi and Ariel Re have shown great dedication with three special blood drives since June last year, and Argus had a Valentine’s blood promotion.”

Blood donations are used to save lives in emergencies but even more units are used each month in therapies for people with more chronic disease needs, such as sickle cell, dialysis and cancer patients, added Dr Fakunle.

“The competition is not yet over and all 19 competing businesses can put in a special effort in the last four months and perhaps win the trophy.

“We’d remind all participating companies that they can also invite family and friends to donate too — it will all count to their final tally.

“The numbers of competitors is going up each year and we sincerely hope we can encourage even more participation — it is making a huge difference for so many individuals in Bermuda.”

To find out more about the Corporate Blood Drive, or to set an appointment to donate blood as an individual, call 236-5067.