GBTI blood donation drive aims for 50 units in 2021

The Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) continued a tradition of hosting a blood donation drive, with an exercise on Thursday at their Water Street, Georgetown branch.

The Officer in charge of the branch, Raymond Forde, indicated that the custom of the blood drive started in 2012 and has seen the collection of over 300 units to date.

The bank was recently awarded by the Ministry of Health through the National Blood Transfusion Service for its humanitarian efforts.

In 2020, GBTI held two drives during which they gathered in excess of 58 units and for 2021, Forde has earmarked the potential target of 50 units which he believes will go a “far way in saving lives.”

He further thanked the staff from all the branches for their contributions to the drive.

Tonza Younge-Bamfield, of the National Blood Transfusion Service, thanked GBTI for their continued partnership and reminded all that the Blood Bank is always in need of blood.

World Blood Donor Day was observed on June 14, under the theme, “Give blood and keep the world beating”.

The message highlights the essential contribution blood donors make to keeping the world pulsating by saving lives and improving others’ health.