In a recent blood drive, Bank of Valletta employees contributed 39 blood bags to the National Blood Transfusion Unit.

The activity was concentrated at the bank's Head Office in Sta Venera. All necessary arrangements were made to set up the blood mobile unit in close proximity of the BOV Centre. Employees had been given a pre-advice and reserved their slot on the day to ensure that the operation runs smoothly and as effectively as possible.

Speaking about the initiative, Joyce Tabone from the Bank's Media and Community Relations explained that: "Blood donation drives have become a regular occurrence in our events calendar. We have built a very good working relationship with the team at the National Blood Transfusion Service and are aware of their constant need for blood, so we try to pencil in as many of these events as possible." She also explained that the people themselves have grown accustomed to the drives and some of them even follow up to see when the next one is due.

Thanking Bank of Valletta employees for their gesture, the management of the Blood Transfusion Unit explained the importance of such initiatives. "Ensuring an adequate supply of all blood types is our ongoing mission. Saving a life is a privilege as well as a responsibility, but our supply depends entirely on voluntary donors. A few weeks ago, the World Health Organisation commemorated World Blood Donor Day and recognised the crucial role of volunteers in this mission."

Companies are encouraged to contact the National Blood Transfusion Unit on [email protected] in order to book the mobile blood donation unit, which is equipped with the latest technology, including real time access to the donor database for safer blood donation, a high-tech pre-donation testing area and a four-person bleeding theatre, along with air-conditioning and motorised couches.