News Release May 03, 2005

Be a Life Preserver – Give Blood this Summer

For more information contact:
Julie Wedding 303.361.2873
Bonfils Blood Center

DENVER (May 3, 2005) - Before packing up for that trip to the beach this summer, Bonfils Blood Center encourages you to mark your calendar to donate blood and be a life preserver to patients in need. Blood donations decline up to 20 percent in the summer months, but the need for blood remains constant. Giving blood is an easy way to volunteer with each whole blood donation lasting less than an hour. And, Bonfils offers nine Front Range community donor centers and conveniently located community blood drives to suit your needs.

“Summertime typically brings a decrease in blood donations as donors become busy with activities and vacations,” said Jessica Maitland, senior vice president of community relations for Bonfils Blood Center. “Unfortunately, as we experience this decrease in donations the need for blood can increase due to accidents and emergencies as members of our community become more active.”

To thank those who make time in their busy summer schedules to give blood, Bonfils Blood Center is offering each donor, while supplies last, a Bonfils t-shirt between Sunday, May 22 and Saturday, July 16 and, for that trip to the beach, a Bonfils beach towel between Sunday, July 17 and Saturday, Sept. 10. Whole blood donors are eligible to donate every 56 days. Donors who give twice during the summer giveaway dates, will receive both free gifts and will be registered to win a grand prize four-day, five-night all inclusive trip for two to a five star resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Courtesy of SunTrips and Entercom Communications, the trip includes roundtrip air from Denver, airport transfers and hotel stay.

Bonfils Blood Center supplies blood to more than 115 healthcare facilities and needs to collect 4,350 blood donations weekly to meet the needs of the community and to be prepared for any unexpected events. For information about scheduling a blood donation, please visit www.bonfils.org or call (303) 363-2300 or (800) 365.0006 option 2.