The prolonged Covid-19 phase in India with restrictions such as lockdown and social distancing has adversely affected blood banks across the country, leading to an acute shortage of blood. The unprecedented situation saw even the most common O+ blood group being unavailable. In the past, volunteers from all Mahindra Group businesses had come out in large numbers to organise blood donation camps, supporting blood banks and thalassemia patients. However, the closure of offices and the inability to conduct camps largely affected blood donation by volunteers.

Despite this period of uncertainty, employees from across the Mahindra Group volunteered to be donors in their individual capacity, supporting those in need of blood under emergencies. More than 100 employees rolled up their sleeves in our 75^th year, supporting hospitals and blood banks in replenishing their supply levels and thus catering to patients in need. Some of our employees even donated platelets during the Covid-19 period. All these employees have reported their ‘Acts of Kindness’ on the Spirit of Service portal, further exhorting others to follow suit by strictly following the government guidelines and social protocols in place.

The Mahindra Group has pledged to give back 750,000 hours of service to the community in the 75^th year. All employees clocking in 7.5 hours of service through the MySeva portal from October 2, 2020, to October 1, 2021, would receive an e-certificate from our Chairman, Anand Mahindra. The Top 75 volunteers clocking in maximum hours of volunteering through ESOPs and MySeva during the 75^th year would be recognised with special memorabilia.

The fight against Covid-19 is not merely limited to the virus alone, but extends to other areas as well, and now more than ever, ‘our time’ is of importance to the underprivileged and those in need.

Share your stories of kindness on the Spirit of Service portal: https://spiritofservice.mahindra.com/

What Act of Kindness would you like to share with us?