The atmosphere at the offices of Politis was a little different on Monday. Amid the demands of the working day, employees and partners came together to take part in a blood donation drive, dedicating a few minutes of their time to an act that for someone else could mean hope, strength and life.
The blood donation campaign involved employees and associates of Politis, while staff from Rime and RetailZoom, the two companies that share the same building, also participated, giving the initiative an even stronger sense of collective contribution.
The effort was also supported by Nicosia District Local Government Organisation (EOA) president Constantinos Yiorkadjis, who visited the Politis offices and congratulated organisers on the initiative.
For most participants, donating blood was a brief pause during the workday. For others, however, the blood collected may become a crucial part of a difficult treatment, provide support before surgery or help save a life in an emergency. That is the value of voluntary blood donation: giving without knowing who will benefit, while knowing that someone, somewhere, will need it.
The campaign was carried out with the support of the Blood Centre, whose doctors and nurses ensured that the process was simple, comfortable and professional.
Speaking to Politis, Blood Centre head Androula Panayiotou highlighted both the strong response of donors and the country's growing needs.
She noted that Cyprus ranks first in voluntary blood donation, something that reflects what she described as “the greatness of spirit of our people.” At the same time, she said, Cyprus also records the highest blood consumption.
According to Panayiotou, around 33% of all blood collected is used to meet the needs of people living with thalassaemia. Beyond that, blood is required for surgeries and emergency cases, resulting in a daily need for approximately 350 units of blood.
Demand has increased in recent years, she said, prompting the Blood Centre to focus on attracting new donors through blood drives in communities, workplaces, military camps, schools when open, and shopping centres.
Particular emphasis is being placed on workplaces, where, according to Panayiotou, employers are showing increasing awareness and support for blood donation initiatives.
She also highlighted the particular challenges of the summer period, urging eligible members of the public to donate.
“People may go on holiday, but the need for blood never takes a holiday,” she said.
The initiative concluded with a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who donated blood and supported the effort.
