Students passing the Student Union this afternoon may notice Big Red Bus parked on campus, but what actually goes on behind those doors?
The Big Red Bus program is operated by OneBlood, a blood center that supplies more than 200 hospital partners. They serve 72 counties throughout Florida and southern Georgia and Alabama.
“I’ve seen a lot of cases in hospitals where donating blood actually helps lives,” said senior Biomedical Sciences major Afif Abu-Hanna who donated blood Monday afternoon.
“If you’re passing by the Student Union, definitely come by and donate blood, it helps a lot of people,” Abu-Hanna said.
Abu-Hanna has been donating since freshman year, estimating this is near his twentieth time.
If the thought of knowing you helped save lives isn’t enough, donors also receive a drink, snack and a Fandango voucher that is good for a free movie ticket.
Additionally, the OneBlood organization is opening a video contest that starts today. They’re encouraging blood donors, blood recipients and anyone else who has a story to share to enter the contest.
The winner of the contest will receive a two-night stay at a Walt Disney World resort and eight park hopper tickets.
“We encourage people to get creative and have fun with this contest,” said Susan Forbes, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at OneBlood.
Video submissions should be similar to that of a 30 second commercial and will be judged on originality, creativity, as well as viewer online votes.
“People who have a connection to blood donation have compelling stories to tell. It is our hope they will share their story by entering the contest and help inspire others in the process,” said Forbes.
More information on the contest, which closes April 17, is available at www.oneblood.org.
For anyone interested in donating on campus, the Big Red Bus will be in front of the Student Union through Friday, and again next week on Monday and Tuesday.
