Over 45 Bank of Valletta employees responded to the bank’s first blood donation drive organised for 2015. The bank has held at least two blood donation drives annually for the past few years.
Although January is commonly associated with the flu, colds and other viruses, this did not dishearten the bank’s employees who took the plunge in a bid a to save more lives during a blood donation drive organised in collaboration with the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) outside BOV’s head office.
It is estimated that one bag of blood can save up to three lives. Tony Micallef from the NBTS said: “Last year, around 18,000 blood bags were transfused. Demand for blood is likely to increase this year due to more major orthopeadeic sugeries planned.
“Initiatives undertaken regularly by organisations like Bank of Valletta are therefore very welcome and encourgaged.
“It is as satisfying for us as it is rewarding for the donor.
“Giving the gift of life is one of the most fulfilling feelings one can experience.”
He appealed to other organisations to contact the NBTS to hold similar initiatives.