FIL won a friendly contest among 16 Bermuda companies, with the investment firm donating the most in the tenth annual corporate blood drive.

Every blood donation from an employee or an employee’s friends or family went towards each company’s total.

Kim Wilson, the health minister, presented the trophy with Ayoola Oyinloye, the Chief Medical Officer; Michael Richmond, the Bermuda Hospitals Board chief executive and president; and Wesley Miller, chief of staff, flanked by the Bermuda Blood Donor Centre team.

Ms Wilson said the drive had helped save countless lives.

“Whether the companies won or not, every donation has made a difference. Truly, every company who has been a part of the competition over the last ten years has helped their employees share the gift of life, and share regularly.”

Taking part this year were Ascot Bermuda, Aspen, Axis, the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service, the Bermuda Airport Authority, the Bermuda Monetary Authority, Butterfield and Vallis, Conduit Reinsurance, Fidelity, Fortitude Re, Freisenbruch, Hiscox, the Ministry of Public Works, Renaissance Re, Rosewood Tucker’s Point and Sun Life.

Eyitayo Fakunle, a consultant haematologist, said the ten-year milestone was a testament to “the steadfast spirit of giving” in preserving blood supplies and safeguarding lives in Bermuda.”

The challenge has helped deliver about 2,000 transfusions annually.

Lucy Correia, nurse phlebotomist at the donor centre, also thanked the firms for their support.

She called on more companies to join the challenge that “fosters unity and boosts morale”, with each donation helping up to three people.

Katrina Nusum, FIL’s deputy head of office, said the firm was deeply committed to blood donation.

She thanked staff for generously giving throughout the year.

“We acknowledge the bravery it took for some to overcome their initial apprehensions and step forward as donors. Today, they have become regular contributors, demonstrating their unwavering dedication to this important cause.”

She added that the firm looked forward to competing next year and retaining the trophy.

Donors can book appointments the Bermuda Blood Donor Centre.

BHB’s guidelines recently changed for people who spent time in the UK, France and certain other countries between 1980 and 1996.

To compete, e-mail blood.donation@bhb.bm or call 236-5067.