Sundry Foods Limited, a prominent player in the Nigerian food industry and the operator of the popular Kilimanjaro quick-service restaurant brand, organized a significant internal blood donation drive in commemoration of the 2025 World Blood Donor Day. This initiative, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in collaboration with the Armed Forces Blood Centre, saw over 100 employees from various departments voluntarily contribute to this life-saving cause. The drive strongly underscores Sundry Foods’ commitment to corporate social responsibility and its dedication to improving the health and well-being of the communities it operates in. By partnering with a reputable institution like the Armed Forces Blood Centre, Sundry Foods ensured that the donated blood would be effectively collected, screened, and distributed to those in need.
The blood donation drive embodies Sundry Foods’ core value of giving back to society. As articulated by Mr. Nduka Mokwunye, Head of Marketing at Sundry Foods, the initiative serves as a practical demonstration of the company’s commitment to community engagement and its broader corporate social responsibility programs. It aligns perfectly with the 2025 World Blood Donor Day theme, “Give blood, Give hope: together we save lives,” a message that resonated deeply with the staff members who participated in the drive. The drive reflects the company’s belief that businesses have a crucial role to play in addressing societal needs and making a positive difference in the lives of others. This commitment goes beyond just providing food services; it extends to fostering a culture of caring and contributing to the overall well-being of the community.
Mr. Nnamdi Opara, Executive Director at Sundry Foods, described the initiative as a valuable, albeit modest, contribution to bolstering the national blood bank reserves. He emphasized the critical importance of blood in medical care, highlighting its essential role in surgeries, emergencies, and the treatment of various medical conditions. Mr. Opara stressed that ensuring a consistent and adequate supply of blood in hospitals is not solely the responsibility of healthcare professionals, but rather a shared responsibility that requires collective effort. He underscored the company’s view that saving lives is a collective responsibility, one that transcends professional boundaries and extends to every member of society. This perspective emphasizes the importance of community engagement and fosters a sense of shared responsibility for public health.
Sundry Foods recognizes the importance of going beyond one-off events and integrating social responsibility into its core business operations. Mr. Opara highlighted the company’s ongoing efforts to actively identify and implement initiatives that can generate a substantial positive impact on the community. He affirmed the dedication of the corporate responsibility teams at Sundry Foods to constantly explore and develop new avenues to maximize their positive contribution to society. This indicates a long-term strategy focused on sustained community engagement and development. It reinforces the message that Sundry Foods’ commitment to social responsibility is not a fleeting gesture, but rather an integral part of its organizational culture.
Sundry Foods’ focus on proactive community engagement underscores its commitment to building strong, mutually beneficial relationships with the communities where it operates. By actively seeking ways to contribute to the health and well-being of its host communities, Sundry Foods is not only fulfilling a social responsibility but also establishing itself as a valuable partner in community development. This approach fosters trust and strengthens the company’s connection with the local population, creating a positive feedback loop that benefits both the business and the community. The blood drive serves as a prime example of how businesses can effectively leverage their resources and networks to address critical needs and contribute to the overall well-being of their communities.
In conclusion, the blood donation drive organized by Sundry Foods to mark the 2025 World Blood Donor Day stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to social responsibility and community development. The proactive involvement of over 100 employees demonstrates a strong internal culture of caring and giving back. The partnership with the Armed Forces Blood Centre ensures that the donated blood reaches those who need it most, maximizing the positive impact of the initiative. The company’s ongoing commitment to identifying and implementing further community-focused initiatives demonstrates that this is not a one-time event, but rather a reflection of a deep-seated commitment to creating a positive and lasting impact on society. Through initiatives such as this blood drive, Sundry Foods is not only saving lives but also setting an example for other businesses to embrace their social responsibilities and contribute to the betterment of their communities.
