The Bermuda Blood Donor Centre has launched a Summer Blood Drive to boost the hospital’s life-saving blood supplies.Less than two percent of Bermuda’s eligible population, or about 1,100 people, donate blood, and the number of young people who are donors is even less. The Centre is trying to change that by the end of August.It is hoped that college students returning home for the summer, as well as other young adults, will answer the call for more donors. Anyone who donates blood during the drive will be entered into a draw to win one of two cell phones, donated by Digicel Bermuda Ltd.Local athletes have also signed on as part of the campaign to boost numbers, as less than four percent of donors in Bermuda are under the age of 25.Medical Director of the Blood Transfusion Service, Dr Eyitayo Fakunie said: “As our current pool of donors grows older, we must recruit members of the younger generation to replace them.“While we are grateful for everyone in our community who chooses to donate blood we would love to see people in their 20s and 30s become donors. In an effort to reach this particular group, we are most grateful to five young Bermudian athletes who have agreed to be advocates for blood donation.”The athletes include Paralympian Jessica Lewis, WBA middleweight champion Teresa Perozzi, Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association’s number one ranked Gavin Manders, Bermuda 800 metres record holder Aaron Evans and professional golfer Michael Sims. They are featured in posters being widely distributed this month.Digicel Bermuda CEO Wayne Caines said the company was “humbled to support such a worthy cause”.“If we can assist the Bermuda Blood Donor Centre with recruiting even a handful of young donors, then we know that we have contributed to saving lives. Our very own staff members have volunteered to become blood donors as a result of this drive. We commend them and everyone who gives of themselves to save others,” Mr Caines said.The hospital uses about 35 to 45 pints of blood each week. Donated blood is used for cancer patients, mothers and babies, accident victims, surgical patients and other people with anaemia. Up to 50 donors are needed every week to meet the hospital’s demand for blood.“Our message to Bermuda is simple: ‘Give the gift of life — donate blood’,” said Dr Fakunie. “Our aim is to make blood available whenever doctors request it in the hospital. Blood donors are true heroes — they give selflessly to save and improve the lives of people in our community who need blood.“We believe that there are many more people in Bermuda willing to become donors, especially when they realise it could be their family member or even they themselves, whose life needs saving.“Donating blood is a simple, painless way to support our community and only takes about half an hour. But the satisfaction of knowing that you have made a vital difference in the life of someone who is sick or injured can last a lifetime.”Most healthy people between the age of 18 and 70, who weigh a minimum of 110lbs, can donate blood. The average adult contains 12 pints of blood, only one pint is taken when you donate it. The body replenishes it within 24 hours.Donors are also required to fill out a questionnaire and their blood pressure and haemoglobin is checked. The entire process, including pretesting and donating, takes about half an hour.For more information contact the Blood Donor Centre at 236-5067 or e-mail blood.donor@bhb.bm to learn about becoming a blood donor.