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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 20 JUNE 2021 16 COMMERICAL Activities for the European Mobility Week 2021 FOLLOWING the success of previous editions, Transport Malta, in conjunction with the Ministry for Transport, Infra- structure and Capital Projects is once again launching annu- al competitions as part of the European Mobility Week 2021. This year's European Mobility Week theme is Safe and Healthy with Sustainable Mobility fol- lowed by the year's slogan, Move Sustainably. Stay Healthy. The Permanent Sustainable Mobility Measures Competi- tion is open to all Local Coun- cils, to which they may sub- mit their proposals. In total, 4 grants will be awarded. The winning Local Coun- cil will be awarded a grant of €50,000 whereas the 1st run- ner-up will be awarded a grant of €30,000. The 3rd and 4th runners-up will be awarded €25,000 each. Applications are to be submit- ted by not later than the 20th of August 2021. Local Councils and Non-Gov- ernmental Organisations (un- der the patronage of Local Councils) may submit pro- posals for the organisation of theme-related events and ac- tivities to be held on the 16th and 22nd September 2021. The grant for these activi- ties varies between €1,500 and €2,500 depending on the re- spective categories. Further information, includ- ing access to Manuals and Ap- plication forms, may be found by following the link below: https://www.transport.gov. m t / n e w s / e u r o p e a n m o b i l i t y - week-2021-competitions-4742 Life-saving blood heroes at Bank of Valletta 'GIVE blood and keep the world beating' is the theme of this year's World Blood Donor Day. This is a strong message convey- ing the essential contribution of all life-saving blood donors around the world. Bank of Valletta employees have donated over 1300 bags of blood in the 34 BOV Blood Drives organized throughout these past years. The Bank in collaboration with the Nation- al Blood Transfusion Service organises three Blood Drives every year and encourages its employees and the gener- al public to regularly donate blood to help save lives. "Most people may not realise this, but one blood donation can save around 3 lives," said Jes Sciberras, organiser of the BOV Blood Drive Campaigns. "During these times when on- ly COVID-19 is on the head- lines, we cannot forget about the many patients who are in crucial need of blood due to a medical condition or because they are to undergo a major operation. Blood is a precious life-saver needed at all times." Every year there are around 4,500 patients who are thankful for the noble gesture of blood donation. "Almost 19,000 people do- nated blood in the past year, of which over 1000 were also first time donors," said Tony Mi- callef from the National Blood Transfusion Service. "On this year's World Blood Donor Day, I would like to thank all of those that support this heart- felt initiative and serve as an example for society. Moreover, we should also continue to encourage people, especially the younger genera- tion, to start donating on a reg- ular basis. If blood is not readily available, injured people have a lower chance of survival and patients suffering from chronic diseases or waiting to undergo an operation might end up hav- ing their medical treatments delayed." By donating blood, one's health is not affected and prior to each blood donation, a med- ical check-up is carried out to determine whether a person is fit enough and eligible to do- nate blood. Eligible male donors aged from 18 to 65 may donate blood at least once every three months, while females may do- nate every four months (every 3 months following menopause). "Every time we host a blood drive, we manage to collect an average of 40 bags of blood," said Jes Sciberras. "The pride and support we receive from our staff members is something that amplifies our motivation to keep on contributing to so- ciety in several ways. We con- tinue to think of those experi- encing tough times, and we'll strive to serve as an additional helping hand through upcom- ing blood drives." Becoming a life-saving blood hero is a selfless and simple process. Simply visit the Na- tional Blood Transfusion Ser- vice in Pietà any day between 8am and 6pm, discover more on www.facebook.com/blood- malta or call on 8007 4313 or 7930 7307 for more informa- tion.