(Syracuse, NY – Feb. 2015) For the first time in eight years, the American Red Cross and Dunkin’ Donuts are extending the “Dunkin’ Donors Make a Difference” campaign, launched on Jan. 1 and originally scheduled to conclude Jan. 31, to Feb. 15 to allow more Red Cross blood and platelet donors to participate in the wake of a blizzard in New England earlier and severe winter weather across the Northeast since the beginning of the year. Those who come out to donate at participating blood drives will receive a free Dunkin’ Donor Card good toward the purchase of any item at participating Dunkin’ Donuts.
Due to the most recent storm, 100 drives have been cancelled and 3,300 donations went uncollected. This is on top of a collections shortfall of several thousand donations due to storms earlier this month. Despite the weather, hospital patients still need blood and platelet donations. Blood donors with all types, especially O negative, A negative and B negative, and platelet donors are urged to make an appointment to give now.
At this time last year in Boston, nine-year-old Jacqueline’s heart surgery was postponed due to a shortage of type O negative blood at the hospital where she was being treated. Ultimately, Jacqueline had her surgery and is a healthy, active child thanks in part to blood donors. She will celebrate her 10th birthday this February. Generous blood donors who give help the Red Cross ensure blood continues to be available for patients like Jacqueline this winter.
In the New York-Penn Region, Susan Bertrand of the Syracuse area and President of Maureen’s Hope Foundation, knows first-hand how essential it is for healthy, eligible donors to give blood or platelets. Susan is an avid cyclist and was involved in a near fatal bicycling accident a few years ago. Susan needed 24 units of blood to help save her life.
“I had the most highly skilled surgeons and access to state of the art medical equipment, but my surgeons would have been helpless if they did not have blood donations. Nothing can replace blood, it can only come from us,” said Susan Bertrand.
“The Red Cross appreciates Dunkin’ Donuts’ continued support in helping to maintain a sufficient blood supply during the winter months, which are challenging for donations due to severe weather forcing blood drives to cancel and seasonal illnesses temporarily keeping some donors at home,” said Kay E. Schwartz, Region CEO. “However, donors are still needed. Those who are healthy and eligible to donate are urged to make an appointment now to ensure there continues to be enough blood on the shelves to meet hospital patient needs.”
“Dunkin’ Donuts is proud to partner with the Red Cross for the Dunkin’ Donors Make a Difference campaign,” said Eric Stensland, Field Marketing Manager for Dunkin’ Donuts. “Our franchisees are also pleased to sponsor blood drives at participating Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants throughout the Northeast during January and February to give our guests an opportunity to donate blood and help those in need in our communities.”
Those who come out to donate at Red Cross blood drives in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York and New Hampshire and Vermont will receive a $5 DD Card through Feb. 15 as part of the new “Dunkin’ Donors Make a Difference” campaign. The DD Card can be used toward the purchase of any item at participating Dunkin’ Donuts – including coffee, hot chocolate and baked goods, among other items. The Dunkin’ Donor Card features a Red Cross logo, is reloadable and can also be enrolled in the DD Perks® Rewards program. Lastly, it will serve as a badge of honor throughout the year for those who donate blood.
*Dunkin’ Donor Cards are redeemable at participating Dunkin’ Donuts locations. Dunkin’ Donor cards are non-transferrable and not redeemable for cash.
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.