A friendly competition aimed at boosting life-saving blood donations has been praised by Eyitayo Fakunle, the Chief of Pathology at Bermuda Hospitals Board, after Conduit Re was announced winner

Now in its 13th year, the Corporate Blood Drive concluded earlier this month.

The event brought together 21 companies from across Bermuda, demonstrating the corporate community’s commitment to supporting the island’s blood supply and the patients who depend on it.

In recognition of this achievement, Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, Keechia Tuckett, the Ministry of Health’s permanent secretary, Shaun Ramroop, the Chief Medical Officer, Anna Neilson-Williams, BHB chief of staff, Preston Swan, chief operating officer, Dr Fakunle and the Blood Donor Centre team, visited Conduit Re on Wednesday to present a trophy and congratulate its participants.

Neil Eckhart, Conduit Re chief executive, said: “Giving blood is one of the simplest and most powerful gifts you can offer, and the Conduit Re family showed up wholeheartedly.”

The blood drive winner was announced ahead of World Blood Donor Day on Sunday [JUN-14].

BHB’s Blood Donor Centre is now appealing to members of the public to become blood donors.

Dr Fakunle said: “World Blood Donor Day 2026 is a reminder that something as simple as donating blood can mean everything to someone else.

“This year’s theme, ‘One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.’ speaks to the kindness and compassion shown by ordinary people who choose to help others through blood donation.

“Blood donation is not only important during times of crisis or disaster. Hospitals need blood every single day. Regular, voluntary donors help ensure that safe blood is always available when patients need it most.”

Dr Fakunle and Ms Wilson praised participants in the annual competition, who helped replenish the island’s blood supply throughout the past year.

Dr Fakunle said: “We extend our sincere gratitude to the 21 companies that participated this year.

“The generosity of their employees has directly helped ensure that blood products were available for patients requiring transfusions, including those undergoing surgery, receiving cancer treatment, experiencing medical emergencies and managing chronic health conditions.”

Ms Wilson added: “I commend the contribution made by Conduit Re and extend my appreciation to all 21 companies that participated in this year’s Corporate Blood Drive.”

Dr Fakunle encouraged everyone who could to consider becoming a regular blood donor and to encourage family and friends to do the same.

“This strengthens our blood services, ensuring that safe blood remains accessible to every patient who depends on it,” Dr Fakunle said.

“To us, each of our donors is a hero and we thank them all. Their kindness, generosity and willingness to give truly make a difference. One drop really can save lives.”

Anyone who is healthy, over 18, or 17 with parental consent, and meets general donation guidelines can donate blood.

More information is available on the BHB website via its ‘Be a Donor’ section.