Central Blood Bank and Otters team up for "Give Blood, Play Hockey" Blood Drive
The Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League have announced a partnership with the Central Blood Bank for the first annual Give Blood, Play Hockey Blood Drive, which will take place Tuesday, December 1 and Wednesday, December 2 from 1:00-7:00 p.m. in the corporate suites at Tullio Arena.rrThose who participate in the blood drive will receive a specially designed Central Blood Bank/Otters t-shirt with the slogan Give Blood, Play Hockey, a voucher for two free tickets to the Otters game against Plymouth on January 6, and an entry into a raffle for hockey memorabilia.rrErie Otters players will also participate in the blood drive by donating their blood, giving those in attendance the opportunity to meet the NHL stars of tomorrow.rrOne lucky donor from the blood drive will also be selected to drop the ceremonial puck before the game on January 6, which will also serve as Give Blood, Play Hockey Night. The night will highlight the importance of blood donation and what Erie-area residents can do to help meet the demands of blood donation.rrWe’re excited to begin our new partnership with Central Blood Bank, Otters Assistant General Manager of Administration Shawn Waskiewicz said. This is a great community initiative. We hope to receive a large quantity of donations which will help people in Western Pennsylvania.rrThe Central Blood Bank was established as a non-profit organization in 1951 to serve the transfusion needs of Pittsburgh hospitals. Since then, it has expanded its reach throughout Western Pennsylvania, holding blood drives in Erie, Crawford, Mercer and Venango counties.rrCo-sponsoring the first annual Give Blood, Play Hockey Blood Drive is WJET-TV.rrThe Otters begin a three-game road trip in London Friday night at 7:30 p.m. The Otters will return home for their annual Thanksgiving Day game on November 26 at 7:00 p.m. against the Belleville Bulls. Fans who donate a new, unwrapped toy or a donation of $20 or more to Toys for Tots will receive a pair of tickets to any December home game, courtesy of Z102.3. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster, the Tullio Arena box office, or by calling 452-4857.r
