Third-Country Nationals come together for blood donation initiative

9 Nov 2026 - Events | Home | News | World and Chronicle

An act of solidarity and generosity that highlights the positive contribution of foreign workers to Maltese society

Blood donation remains crucial to saving lives. It is an act of generosity, solidarity and altruism that can make a significant difference in the lives of people in need.

In this spirit, on Sunday morning, third-country nationals (TCNs) came together for a blood donation initiative, demonstrating their commitment to making a positive contribution to the society in which they live and work.

The initiative, held at the National Blood Transfusion Centre in Gwardamanġa, was a great success, attracting a considerable number of participants from different nationalities and cultural backgrounds who came forward to donate blood.

The General Workers’ Union (GWU), together with the Community Police and the National Blood Transfusion Service, joined forces with Malta’s TCN community to make this initiative a reality.

Speaking during the event, GWU Secretary General Kevin Camilleri stressed that this initiative serves as a concrete response to the negative comments and attitudes sometimes directed towards foreign workers on social media.

Camilleri emphasised the importance of continuing and expanding such positive initiatives, including through collaboration with Local Councils, to encourage greater community participation and strengthen social inclusion.

For his part, Manav Sanger, the GWU representative for third-country nationals, who was among those who proposed the initiative, stated that this would not be a one-off event. In fact, the aim is to establish blood donation sessions as a regular monthly activity.

While thanking everyone who participated, Sanger highlighted that initiatives of this kind provide third-country nationals with an opportunity to demonstrate that they are active and peaceful members of Maltese society, while also extending a helping hand to those in need.

In her remarks, Dr Monique Debattista, Medical Director at the National Blood Transfusion Service, expressed her appreciation at seeing so many people come together to donate blood. She also welcomed the collaboration between different communities, organisations and institutions working towards a common goal.

At the end of the event, certificates of appreciation were presented to the blood donors who participated in the initiative, as well as to the organisers, in recognition of their valuable contribution.

Also present were GWU Deputy Secretary General Kevin Abela, former GWU Secretary General Josef Bugeja, Superintendent Joseph Busuttil, Fr Colin Apap and Dr Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando.