By Our Reporter
I&M Bank has partnered with the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services for a blood donation drive.
For two days, the front yard of the Kingdom Kampala I&M Bank offices has been a hive of activity with a blood donation drive that has seen Uganda Blood Transfusion Services and I&M Bank officials encourage passersby to get in on the act. In the end, 100 units of blood had been collected. The drive stretched to the I&M Bank Jinja City Branch with a positive response from the public.
“This blood drive has given the public members the opportunity to donate blood and save lives, making it a success. We have collected a good amount of blood and the turn up has been encouraging. We are grateful to I&M Bank for providing the space and creating a blood donation platform,” said Uganda Blood Transfusion Services representative Barbara Adupo Irene.
For I&M Bank, the prosperity of business and society go hand in hand therefore organising a blood drive is one way of reifying the narrative fronted by the I&M Foundation. A fruitful blood donation drive gives hope to those in need of blood somewhere at a hospital or health centre. This fits into one of I&M Bank’s core values and beliefs, enabling giving, that focuses on strengthening partnerships for sustainable community development.
“The decision to host a blood drive has helped ensure patients somewhere receive the treatment they need. Blood drives help different kinds of patients with conditions like cancer, premature babies, accident victims, those suffering from burns and others with critical situations. As I&M Bank, we know that these patients depend on the public’s generosity therefore pushing us to coordinate a blood donation drive to help ensure a reliable blood supply,” said I&M Bank Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Annette Nakiyaga.
Joseph Kakaire, who had turned up for the exercise, said the public needs to be sensitised about the importance of donating blood that will be needed by some of their relatives and friends. “Sickle cell patients need blood, while some expectant mothers lose blood while giving birth; so, they, too, need it. “I have donated blood 12 times since, feel I have saved 12 lives in hospital, and urge everyone to do the same.”