MORE than 80 people turned up to donate in the second annual national blood drive staged by Freemasons in Jamaica on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at National Chest Hospital in St Andrew, and Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay.

And while a number of the individuals were unable to donate because of various issues identified during the screening process, approximately 45 pints of the life-saving liquid were collected, encouraging the Freemasons to extend the collection process through to December 16.

During a brief opening ceremony at National Chest Hospital, the leaders of the three Freemason constitutions in Jamaica — Thomas Smith, English; Peter Stuart, Irish; and Dr Courtney Palmer, Scottish — pointed to the importance of donating blood, especially close to the festive season.

Everton Anderson, CEO of National Health Fund (NHF) which provided refreshments for all donors, commended the Freemasons for the noble initiative.

The Freemasons, through their charity arm Masonic Homes, donated $200,000 to assist with badly needed repairs at the blood bank.

National director for blood collection Igol Allen accepted the cheque and expressed sincere gratitude for the kind gesture and blood being donated. He outlined the serious blood shortage faced by the country and praised the Freemasons for assisting in the saving of lives with their donations.