Just in time for a summer getaway, ConnectLife is encouraging blood donors to help save lives this June with a big prize: donors will be entered to win one of two $1,000 AAA travel gift cards.
The giveaway comes at a critical time for blood donations in Western New York. The start of summer generally brings a drop in donations, as school blood drives are off the calendar and regular donors may miss drives while they travel. At the same time, busy roads can create a severe need for donations — a single accident victim can need up to 100 units of blood.
“When a patient in a Western New York hospital needs a transfusion, there’s no substitute for the blood they can get from donors,” said Sarah Diina, senior director of communications and external affairs at ConnectLife. “Since there’s no way to manufacture that blood, it’s crucial that donors come in at times like this to make sure it’s available for doors who need it to survive.”
In addition to the gift card raffle, ConnectLife will thank all donors with Buffalo Bills chill cups to help keep drinks cool as the weather warms, along with $10 vouchers at Delta Sonic. All donors will also receive reward points in the ConnectLife online store.
All blood donated to ConnectLife stays local, helping nearly every hospital in WNY’s eight counties maintain safe inventory levels. Donations are available at centers in Williamsville, West Seneca, Tonawanda along with mobile drives scheduled around the area each day.
To schedule an appointment, visit ConnectLifeGiveBlood.org or call (716) 529-4270.