A bid to get more people to give blood has been launched with a competition for company employees.

The tenth corporate blood drive aims to focus attention on giving help to the wider community through the month of August.

Firms are given points regarding the number of employees who apply. The company which is deemed to make the biggest effort is awarded a trophy.

Lucy Correia, a nurse at the Bermuda blood donor centre, said: “This is a special tenth anniversary for the corporate blood drive.

“This competition has made such a big difference to people in Bermuda who need transfusions.

“Companies who sign up have helped sustain our blood donor pool in Bermuda, whether they won the competition or not.

“All our blood is from local donors and when companies join the competition they are supporting their existing donors, and helping encourage new people to consider donating.

“One of our regular donors Janice Richards, who won the blood donor Hamilton Princess raffle this year, has been donating for many years – but it all started with an e-mail in her workplace that was encouraging people to donate because the hospital was in need. This is the difference employers can make.

“This is our tenth competition so we are going to make it special. We hope companies who have previously participated as well as new companies will consider joining in.”

Ms Correia said the move was much needed.

She added: “Even just participating helps encourage blood donation so please consider joining.

“For the more serious competitors, having blood drives, promotions and encouraging friends, family and even visiting consultants to donate with a focus on getting as high as possible in the competition listing, can make it fun.

“Plus, there is nothing more rewarding knowing you are saving lives. Give us a call or e-mail, and we can sign you up.”

Any companies interested in joining the initiative should e-mail blood.donor@bhb.bm or call 236-5067.