Blood donors will be eligible to win free e-scooter rides as part of a new partnership between the Bermuda Hospitals Board and Whip.

A BHB spokeswoman said that anyone who donates blood or plasma until September 30 will be put into a raffle to win two $50 Whip Rideshare credits prizes.

Alex Marshall, the founder of Whip Rideshare, said: “I have previously been a blood donor and wanted to help encourage people to donate as it is important for our community.

“We are all one family in Bermuda and this is one way we can help each other. Whip is proud to be a part of such a worthy cause.

“I encourage everyone to come to the Blood Donor Centre at the hospital and donate. Your donation will help save lives.”

Lucy Correia, Bermuda Blood Donor Centre nurse phlebotomist, said that the centre was grateful for the support from Whip.

“If you are considering donating for the first time, we promise to make it as comfortable as possible,” she said. “The process only takes about 30 minutes and your one gift of blood can help up to three people — as well as put you in the raffle for the Whip ride credits.”

Earlier this year, the BHB warned that the number of blood donors had not kept pace with the rising need for blood donations.

It reported nearly 2,000 blood transfusions last year compared with 1,590 in 2017 — a 26 per cent increase.

However, the number of blood donors only increased from 1,002 to 1,081 during the same period — an 8 per cent increase.

The Bermuda Blood Donor Centre is located on the first floor of the general wing of the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and is open from Monday to Thursday between 8.30am and 2.30pm and on Friday from 8.30am to 1pm. For appointments, call 236-5067.