To mark its establishment 111 years in India the Bank of Baroda in Labasa organised a blood drive.

Held at the bank’s office in Labasa, the drive attracted business professionals and ordinary citizens from the Labasa Town.

Acting branch manager Joyce Ram said blood donors were the epitome of love, hope and kindness.

Mrs Ram said they had managed to put a smile and restore happiness in the lives of those who needed the gift of life.

“For us at the Bank of Baroda, we do not believe in just helping people by consumer save and loan,” Mrs Ram said.

“We believe that in the true spirit of helping people we must look at all aspects of service.

“This initiative was about giving back to the community and also instilling a culture of service in our staff. Some of the donors were not able to donate because they were taking medication or had alcohol beforehand.

“We say that if you want to really help people and offer service to all Fijians, then giving blood is a gift of life to somebody in need and there is nothing greater than that.”

The blood was collected by medical staff from the Labasa Hospital’s blood bank.

Bank of Baroda Fiji had been in operation since the 5th of July 1961.

The first branch was located at Mark Street in Suva.

The bank also hosted its staff for a morning tea.

She said donating blood can be a simple thing to do, but it could make a difference in the lives of others.

“If you know the value of life. think of the people suffering in need of blood, each pint of blood we collect can help save up to three lives and will touch the lives of so many more,” Mrs Ram said.

“What a great way to make an impact on people in our community and across the country.”

Edited by Percy Kean

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