Media Center

Saturn lease, free gas for rolling up your sleeve
Blood donors can win cool summer prizes

June 1, 2009

This summer riding off in a new Saturn, or filling your gas tank for free could be as easy as rolling up a sleeve. The American Red Cross of Central Ohio and Saturn of Columbus have teamed to recruit blood donors in the “Summer blood DRIVE with Saturn!” 

Those who come to give blood at any participating Red Cross blood drive this summer (June 1 through Aug. 31) can enter to win great prizes, including a free one-year lease on a new Saturn vehicle of your choice!  

Other prizes include nine $100 gas cards. Plus, no one leaves a blood drive empty handed all summer long, as everyone will receive a $7 off coupon to Cedar Point. 

Summer brings unique challenges in ensuring a stable blood supply. Dubbed “trauma season” by the health care industry, the summer months are marked by fewer people donating, and an increase in the need for blood to treat trauma patients. In addition to accident victims, other patients, such as premature babies, those undergoing various surgeries or treatment for cancer and blood disorders, need blood to survive as well.

“The Red Cross takes many steps to help prevent a blood shortage,” said Rodney Wilson, spokesperson for American Red Cross Central Ohio Blood Services Region.  “We set up several dozen blood drives each day around Central Ohio several months in advance to ensure that when blood is needed, it will be available.” Even the best laid plans can not anticipate when a major trauma might occur. 

The Red Cross hopes that the chance to get free gas and possibly win a Saturn vehicle lease will motivate many to roll up their sleeves to give. “By donating, not only will you have the opportunity to help save a life and prevent blood shortages, you might also be filling up your gas tank for free and driving away in a new car!” said Wilson.

Grand prize drawing for finalists during Saturn Day at the Zoo

Ten names will be drawn at the end of the promotion, one to win the Saturn lease and nine to win $100 gas cards. All 10 donors will be treated to a special Saturn Day at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Sept. 13 with an opportunity to meet international star Jungle Jack Hanna.

Complete rules & regulations

03/09AP291

Media contacts

Central Ohio
Blood Services

(614) 253-2740
1-800-338-8086

Rodney J. Wilson
Communications Manager
extension 2347
e-mail

Heather Reichle
Communications Specialist
extension 2275
e-mail

Other Red Cross
lines of service
You can find your local
Red Cross chapter by
searching on redcross.org
or by checking the white
pages of your local phone
directory.

National
media inquiries
Click here for listings