The Giving Game
Watch the Blues take on the Chiefs for FREE this Friday night, thanks to the NZ Blood Service
The time honoured tradition of giving blood has been given a lift with competition and fun becoming the companion of the traditional tea and biscuit.
“We always face a major challenge over the New Year period. Over this time the need for blood donations remains constant, and lots of our donors go on holiday” said Fiona Ritsma, CEO of the NZ Blood Service. “So we put the word out on Facebook and TV because we wanted to stay ahead of the game and meet any demand for blood products they people may need.”
“The generosity of Kiwis has come through again. Every need for a blood product was met throughout the holiday period by donors up and down the country” said Marketing Manager of the NZ Blood Service, Paul Hayes. “To acknowledge the generosity of blood donors we have taken up an opportunity to make entry to the Blues v Chiefs pre-season rugby match free of charge.”
The match is the second of three preseason games for the two teams, and the only preseason game in the greater Auckland region.
“It’s a wonderful gesture by the NZ Blood Service to align themselves with this match by offering a free preview of the Blues and Chiefs in action before the competition begins in two weeks’ time at North Harbour Stadium. In turn, we hope their generosity promotes awareness of the valuable work done by the NZ Blood Service and for those who attend the match to consider blood donation if they are able,” says Blues CEO, Andy Dalton.
This year the NZ Blood Service will be encouraging North Shore people to edge out their neighbours in blood donations. “There is a game to play which will encourage people text the word ‘blood’ to 515 and learn how to donate blood and save lives” said Mr Hayes. “We’ll get it underway in March.”
Fans are urged to take up the chance to see some of the country’s premier players at this match being played at North Harbour Stadium. The match will kick off at 5.30pm this Friday 29th January.