Following Reports of Critical Blood Shortage in July, Roller Derby Athletes Unite Nationwide to Help the American Red Cross Attract Donors
New York, New York (PRWEB) July 14, 2016 -- Roller derby athletes are teaming up nationwide to help the American Red Cross attract blood donors following the humanitarian organization’s July reports of a critical blood shortage and emergency appeals for immediate nationwide blood donations. “Blood for Life,” the nation’s largest series of roller derby blood drives attract donors by making these community service events more convenient and fun. Roller derby athletes in uniform offer photo opportunities, autographs, roller skate buttons, temporary tattoos and some leagues reward donors with tickets to roller derby events, while others choose highly visible event locations, such as grocery store parking lots where new donors might be inspired to give blood when they see the skating athletes.
Starting July 16 in New York City, Blood for Life roller derby blood drives are scheduled in cities across the nation every weekend through August and new roller derby blood drives are being announced weekly. For the most up-to-date list and information on participating roller derby leagues and locations, visit http://community.brownpapertickets.com/wp/coast-to-coast-roller-derby-blood-drives-kick-off/.
“Summer is always one of the most difficult times for the Red Cross to collect blood, but this year the need is even more urgent than in the past,” said Hanna Malak, representative for the American Red Cross. “The Blood for Life roller derby blood drives create a fantastic atmosphere, with roller derby athletes skating in uniform, refreshments, giveaways and an all-around good time that may really make a difference to ensure that blood is available for patients in need.”
“We hope to double the number of lives saved this year,“ said Jerry Seltzer, son of the inventor of roller derby and a former executive vice president for Ticketmaster before he began working with Brown Paper Tickets, a Not-Just-for-Profit event company that serves as the largest ticketing portal for roller derby events worldwide. “Community service is written in the charter of every roller derby league across the globe, so partnering roller derby leagues with Brown Paper Tickets and the American Red Cross is a match made in heaven.”
To schedule a convenient donation appointment, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit http://www.redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code: DERBY. Appointments are strongly encouraged but walk-ins are welcome.
Follow the roller derby blood drives at #bloodforlife. Any roller derby league wishing to bring the Blood for Life roller derby blood drive series to their hometown should email organizers at rollerderbybloodforlife(at)gmail(dot)com.
*All giveaway items are provided while supplies last.
###
EDITOR’S NOTE: In-studio or telephone interviews with your local roller derby league and all people quoted in this story, along with high-resolution photos, video of a Blood for Life roller derby blood drive and more are available. Contact Barb Morgen at rollerderbybloodforlife(at)gmail(dot)com or at 206-883-9093 for assistance.
About the American Red Cross:
American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org.
About Brown Paper Tickets:
Brown Paper Tickets (brownpapertickets.com) provides easy, no-cost online event registration and ticketing with the lowest fee for ticket buyers in the live events industry, 24/7 live event concierge service and the largest commitment to social responsibility in the ticketing industry. The Not-Just-for-Profit company donates 5 percent of the profits from every ticket sold and employs a team of experts in roller derby giving free assistance to leagues and playing an active role in helping the sport and the roller derby community to continue to grow and thrive.
Barb Morgen, Brown Paper Tickets, http://www.brownpapertickets.com, +1 206-883-9093, [email protected]
Share this article