Protea Hotel Kampala applauded for the CSR Blood donation drive set for 16th Nov 2022
Drake Nyamugabwa
Uganda Red Cross Society, Malaria Free Uganda by 2030, Uganda Blood Transfusion Service (UBTS), and other stakeholders have applauded the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) blood donation drive that will be conducted on Wednesday 16/11/2022.
The Blood Donation Exercise that will be held at Protea Hotel Acacia Avenue-Kololo is scheduled from 8:30 am-4:00pm.
Malaria Free Uganda by 2030 a public-private partnership to mobilize Advocacy, action, and resources to support the implementation of the national malaria strategic plan while applauding Dr. Patrick Bitature a board member invited the public to come for the blood drive at Protea hotel in Kampala.
“Blood is essential in the management of severe malaria that is anemic. We join our Board Members Patrick Bitature and Protea Kampala on Wednesday for this worthwhile cause. Let’s save lives” a statement read in part.
Irene Nakasita MCIPR with Uganda Red Cross said that while celebrating her birthday on the 16th of November 2022, she implored the public to celebrate with while giving out blood.
“16th November is my birthdate. You can choose to donate blood to thank God for my life. Give life to someone by giving Blood. Join Protea Hotel for a #BloodDonation” she said
Simba Group’s Protea Hotel Kampala has partnered with the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services to host a blood donation drive in Kampala, helping to ease the blood shortage and save lives.
This life savings initiative will take place at Protea Hotel Kampala on Wednesday, November 16th, 2022. Simba Group staff and associates will join the hotel guests and other invited corporate executives to donate their blood. The event is open to members of the public as well.
Protea Hotel Kampala encourages employees at the property, guests, and its sister hotel Protea Hotel Kampala Skyz to donate blood at the event.
Phiona Nabisere, Operations Manager, Protea Hotel Kampala, said that the hotel is proud to partner with the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services on the donation drive and raise awareness of the benefit blood donation brings to the country.
She added that the response to the event has been very encouraging, banding members of various communities together for a good cause.
“We are proud to partner with the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services for this important blood donation initiative. We are proud of our employees and guests for understanding the importance of giving back to the community and helping the sick and hospitals in the country by participating in this campaign,” Ms. Nabisere said.
“We believe in the importance of making a positive contribution to the community and not only limiting our activities and endeavors to reach excellence in the hospitality sector. Our aim is to make valuable contributions to the society we live in as much as possible, and we intend to hold this activity annually as a healthy exercise to encourage further participation.”
Over 10 corporate executives, including Bollore Transport & Logistic MD Oliver Wells, Malaria Free Uganda Board Chairman Kenneth Mugisha, Simba Telecom CEO Flora, Umeme Ltd Managing Director Selestino Babungi, and Mastercard Foundation Country Head Andrey Bukenya are some of the confirmed donors.
Protea Hotel by Marriott® Kampala management has allocated the grounds for setting up the blood donation unit and provided all necessary facilities and support for Uganda Blood Transfusion Services medical staff.
The event forms part of Marriott International’s global CSR program ‘Serve 360: Doing Good In Every Direction which commits to creating a positive and sustainable impact.
About Protea Hotel By Marriott Kampala
Conveniently situated in the heart of Kampala, capital of Uganda, 45km from Entebbe Airport, Protea Hotel Kampala provides Luxury accommodation with 5-star Service.
Protea Hotel Kampala offers a variety of services and facilities, including a 100-seater fine-dining restaurant, serving breakfast lunch and dinner, as well as 24hour room service. The Bar is ideal for sundowners, cocktails or pre-dinner drinks, overlooking the gardens.
Other services / facilities available include medical services, 24 hours reception and a business Centre, with full complimentary internet access throughout the property.
3 Boardrooms seating 20 delegates each and 3 conference rooms seating from 75 to 300 delegates are also available.
Refreshing en-suite accommodation comprises 59 standard rooms, 3 king suites, 4 junior and 4 executive suites, of which junior and executive suites feature bathtubs and mini-bars. All rooms have satellite TV’s, tea/coffee making facilities, writing desk, hairdryer and complimentary water.
Protea Hotel by Marriott Kampala – Providing Luxury Accommodation with 5-star Service in Kampala.
About The Simba Group of Companies
Patrick and Carol Bitature began Simba Group in 1998 with a simple but powerful idea - communication should be a right, not a luxury. The mobile phone had the power to connect people, improve livelihoods and provide information to everyone anywhere. At the time though, only a few thousand Ugandans had access to mobile phones as they were considered a product for the ultra-wealthy. The Bitatures believed that with an efficient distribution model and expansive retail network, they could turn their dream into a reality. What started out as Patrick and Carol working late into the night in their first shop in Uganda turned into the largest airtime distributor, mobile phone retailer, and mobile money distributor in East Africa. Since then, Simba Group has expanded into the areas of farming, real estate, hospitality and energy.
Director of Uganda Blood Transfusion Service (UBTS) Dr. Dorothy Kyeyune thanked the organizers of the blood donation exercise for their mobilization of Blood donors
She said that every day health facilities need 1500 units of blood 4 cancer patients, women with pregnancy complications, premature babies, children with severe anemia, accident trauma patients and surgical patients.
One unit of blood can save up to three lives. Healthy adults who are at least 17 years old, and at least 50kgs may donate about a unit of blood - one can donate every 3 & 4months males & females respectively.
“Every donation is critical and you can make a lifesaving difference. Patients with trauma, undergoing surgery, or with conditions that require blood transfusions, such as sickle cell disease, need blood and blood products” she said
Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS), is the body mandated to conduct blood donor recruitment and mobilization countrywide while IRA is the regulatory body for the insurance industry in Uganda.
Uganda needs about 400,000 units of blood annually to meet the blood needs of the country according to the World Health Organization, it does not meet this requirement most times due to several factors including lack of information and discouraging cultural and religious beliefs.
