Staff at Ariel Re have made the company the winner of the Bermuda Hospitals Board’s annual corporate blood drive for 2024-25.

A BHB spokeswoman said the company was the first from the insurance/reinsurance sector to win the award, beating out 20 other participating businesses including defending champions Freisenbruch.

Together, the companies donated a combined 494 units of blood, or 28 per cent of all blood donations during the period.

Eyitayo Fakunle, consultant haematologist and Chief of Pathology at BHB, said the results demonstrated the impact that the competition can have.

“Every company and every donation makes a huge difference to our community,” Dr Fakunle said.

“But a friendly competition can encourage more donations, which is incredibly important to our blood supply in Bermuda, so we want to celebrate the company whose efforts take them to the top.”

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, joined Scott Pearman, the BHB chief executive and president, Shaun Ramroop, the Chief Medical Officer and the Blood Donor Centre team to present Ariel Re with the trophy.

Ms Wilson thanked the company for their contributions, adding: “You have all shown an amazing community spirit and generosity.

“On behalf of the residents who are here today because you donated, thank you. And to all our Bermuda organisations, please join in the next competition. We need your help in ensuring transfusion services are fully stocked every year to save lives in Bermuda.”

Sophia Smethurst, assistant vice president of claims at Ariel Re, said the company was thrilled at its first win.

“While the recognition is meaningful, what matters most is the impact we have made together. Donating blood is a simple act that saves lives, and this is a powerful reminder that even small contributions can make a big difference,” she said.

“I am so proud of my colleagues who rallied with me. Some are already donors and some donated for the first time.

“This drive has shown the strength of our team spirit and our shared commitment to giving back. We hope we can continue to make a difference, one drop at a time.”

Freisenbruch, who won the top prize for the past three years, came second in the competition, followed by Hiscox, Fortitude Re and Renaissance Re.