Drinks giant Bacardi has won Bermuda’s corporate blood drive campaign for a second year in a row.

Eighteen companies took part in the sixth annual drive, which saw the highest number of donations since the competition began.

Lisa Frias, Bacardi’s manager of global finance, said: “We are excited to have won for a second consecutive year, our second year of participating in the corporate blood drive.

“Our staff, their families and friends, and even a few of our consultants, responded well, showing the caring that our company is known for.

“While we’re happy to have won the trophy, we realise it is a competition in which no one loses.

“We’re proud to have contributed along with all the other Corporate Blood Drive participants to providing for a record number of donations in the competition.”

Bermuda Hospitals Board said there were a total of 484 donations in this year’s drive.

A spokeswoman said this was 14 per cent more than last year and represented about a quarter of all donations over the year.

Dr Eyitayo Fakunle, BHB’s consultant haematologist, said: “While someone has to win, every donation counts and all our competing companies have saved lives.

“Every person who donates is there in someone else’s hour of need — they are unsung and anonymous heroes for countless people in Bermuda.

“It is with gratitude as well as congratulations that we thank the competitors.”

Bermuda Hospitals Board and the Ministry of Health announced the winner as the island marked World Blood Donor Day.

Kim Wilson, the health minister, said: “Congratulations to Bacardi and thank you to all the competing companies!

“The Ministry is proud to partner with the Bermuda Blood Donor Centre and BHB for this competition.

“It’s a great way to encourage blood donations and there is no better return on investment for a company’s community giving than saving lives.

“Thank you to all the support from our local companies to encourage and support those donating.”

Wholesaler Butterfield & Vallis came second and insurance firm Hamilton Re Group took third place.

The other companies that took part were Argo, Argus, Bank of Butterfield, Bermuda Police Service, BF&M, Bermuda Monetary Authority, Department of Corrections, Department of Customs, Department of Health, Fidelity, Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, Kitson Group of Companies, Lancashire Insurance Company Ltd, SunLife Financial International and Zurich Bermuda.