The "QBC Cares" CSR Program Hosted its Second Annual QBC Blood Donation Campaign in Collaboration with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)

DOHA, QATAR, February 23, 2013

As part of its CSR pledge towards the community, Qatar Building Company (QBC) held its second annual Blood Donation Campaign yesterday, in partnership with the Blood Donor Unit of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). Over 100 staff members from over 20 QBC offices, workshops and site locations volunteered to donate.

The mobile medical unit was stationed from 7:30am-3:30pm in the front parking lot of the QBC head office, located on Airport Road in Doha. Health and Safety were top priorities, as each donor was asked a few questions of medical history and underwent a brief screening before being allowed to donate. The environment was kept sterile in compliance with international standards, and up to four patients could be attended to at the same time. Nurses and medical equipment were available for any further aid services. Each donation required approximately 15-20 minutes.

"We fully support this humanitarian effort—'giving the gift of life,' as they say," commented Mr. Ali M. T. Mustafawi, QBC Managing Director. "QBC considers the blood drive as one of many gestures we do to be a pro-active member of our society."

Staff and families were encouraged to come from any and all QBC, QBC sister-company and QBC Joint-Venture company staff and families. HMC confirmed that the pints of blood collected would be used for blood transfusions of all types of patients, including accident and burn victims, premature babies, cancer and transplant candidates, and other critical operations.

"QBC uses the annual blood drive as a platform to spread health awareness of the constant need for blood," adds Mrs. Romy M. Haddad, QBC Public Relations Manager. "This is one of many events under our social responsibility framework of corporate citizenship. We take very seriously our role in the private sector towards community welfare."

Donators were given 'I gave blood' pins as a token of appreciation, and photographs were taken throughout the day at the 'Replenish your Body' refreshments & snacks area.

Those unable to participate in this blood drive may visit the Blood Donor Unit located on the hospital grounds of Hamad Medical Corporation, Sunday-Thursday between 7am and 9pm. For more information on this service, please call +974-4439-1081.

The three pillars of the "QBC Cares" CSR program include Human Values, Community and Environment.

About Qatar Building Company (QBC)

Qatar Building Company (QBC) is comprised of three divisions—civil engineering and contracting, materials production, and heavy equipment trading—each designed especially for the demands of the Qatari market.

For 40 years, Qatar Building Company (QBC) has taken on major civil engineering and contracting projects for a broad client base including government agencies, international contractors, gas majors, and private developers.

With "Grade A" classifications in all categories of the Government Central Tenders Committee (CTC), QBC is qualified to undertake civil engineering projects of any size and complexity. Materials Production and Heavy Equipment Divisions provide the most cost-effective and reliable support.

QBC is a proponent of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) with a program that focuses on the three pillars of Human Values, Community and Environment. QBC is a participant of the UN Global Compact and a Steering Committee member of the Qatar CSR/Global Compact Local Network.

For more information on QBC, visit http://www.qatarbuildingcompany.com.

__About Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)

Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is the premier non-profit healthcare provider in Qatar. It was established by Emiri decree in 1979 and reports to the Supreme Council of Health. Since its establishment, HMC has rapidly developed medical facilities capable of providing state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment of diseases that previously could only be managed in overseas medical institutions.

HMC offers:
- State-of-the-art medical facilities;
- Simultaneous Joint Commission International re-accreditation for all HMC hospitals;
- Health, Education and Research.

For more information on Hamad Medical Corporation, visit http://www.hmc.org.qa/en/index.aspx.