Prizes of a hotel stay for the winners in a draw of the island’s blood donors have been donated for the third year running by the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club.

The winners will be chosen on June 30 from the island’s small but vital community of donors and will be selected from donors active over the year up to that date — of blood and apheresis, in which blood components are filtered for medical use.

Eyitayo Fakunle, a consultant haematologist at the Bermuda Hospitals Board, said it was “essential” to boost the island’s donor numbers.

“Every year, the need for blood transfusions increases. In 2022 we had a total of 1,946 red cell transfusions compared with 1,917 in 2021. However, the number of donors is on the decline.”

He added: “I encourage new donors and younger donors to consider donating to ensure that we can have a continued supply of blood."

The BHB and the Bermuda Blood Donor Centre thanked the hotel for giving the two prizes of a stay at the hotel and a champagne brunch.

Tim Morrison, the general manager of the Hamilton Princess, said the hotel was proud to take part.

“We hope that these prizes will help motivate more individuals to donate blood and show our gratitude to Bermuda’s regular donors who help save lives all year round.”

Lucy Correia, a nurse phlebotomist at the Bermuda Blood Donor Centre, highlighted that one donation could help up to three people.

"I am delighted that all active donors can participate in the draw. For those considering donating for the first time, the process is straightforward and takes only about 30 minutes."

The Bermuda Blood Donor Centre, on the first floor of the general wing at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, is open for appointments Monday to Thursday from 8.30am to 2.30pm, and Friday from 8.30am to 1pm.

• For information on donating, visit the centre on the BHB website or call 236-5067