Almost 150 blood donors came together to encourage others to join them in giving the gift of life.

Only about three percent of people in Bermuda donate blood about half that found in other developed countries.

"Our existing donors are wonderful and we rely on them donating regularly due to the small percentage of the population currently donating," said Dr. Betsie Lombard, director of Blood Transfusion Services.

"More people should join us," she added. "The donation process only takes about half an hour and there is dedicated parking just for blood donors as we recognise that many of them take time out of their busy work lives."

Only a small percentage of donated blood goes to trauma victims, such as road traffic accident or victims of violence. Most blood donated helps people who undergo surgery, or who need blood for therapeutic reasons, such as cancer patients on chemotherapy or people with sickle cell anaemia.

"People don't always realise that blood donors not only save lives, but improve the quality of life for many people with painful and debilitating conditions," Dr Lombard said. "And many of our blood donors overcome needle phobias to donate. We use trained blood donor nurses and technicians to ensure maximum comfort and safety."

About 40 to 50 units of blood are needed in Bermuda every week to manage therapeutic uses, planned surgery and trauma. Without blood donations, no elective or emergency surgery could take place on-Island, and people needing therapeutic blood donations would have to travel for treatments.

The 150 donors got together for this picture to celebrate World Blood Donor Day on Monday.