Blood drive awaits donors at McDonald’s at Malta airport on 12 September

The McDonald’s at Malta International Airport is hosting a Blood Donation Drive on 12 September from 8.30 to 13.30, according to a press statement sent to Business Malta. McDonald’s will reward each blood donor with a McCafe cappuccino and a croissant on the day.

American Red Cross statistics suggest that blood is needed every few seconds for patients in emergency situations or for surgery for patients suffering from chronic illness, traumatic injury, cancer treatments, and other scenarios. Further statistics say that only one pint of donated blood can help save as many as three people’s lives.

This year’s event is themed “Give Blood, Give Life”, and will be kicked off by McDonald’s crew and head office teams who will lead the way for customers and donors from all over the country to join in.

“We are proud to be collaborating with the National Blood Transfusion Service and supporting its appeal to maintain blood supplies at adequate levels,” said Paul Dragan, Managing Director of Premier Restaurants, the local operator of McDonald’s. “Blood donors are heroes. They save lives. That is why we are happy to treat them and join the NBTS in thanking them for going to the trouble of making this wonderful gesture.”

“Blood donors are heroes. They save lives.”

Paul Dragan, Managing Director of Premier Restaurants, the local operator of McDonald’s.

Anybody who can identify themselves with a Maltese ID card, Maltese Driving License or Maltese Passport, eResidence Card for foreigners or Diplomatic Card in cases of diplomats are eligible to donate blood in Malta.

The minimum required weight for blood donation is 50kg or between 50kg and 65kg in case of women — the minimum required weight is calculated according to the donor’s height to ensure that there is sufficient total blood volume, according to the official website of the government of Malta.

Due to ongoing clinical developments, final eligibility determination is always decided by the medical staff at the National Blood Transfusion Service on scene and date of the donation.

Further information on blood donation in Malta is available on the official website of the health ministry.