Bloodstock 2008 is a bursary program open to Grade 11 and 12 and postsecondary students who must recruit at least 25 blood donors from anywhere in Canada by Sept. 5.
Those who qualify are entered into random regional draws for a $1,000 bursary towards their postsecondary education.
The program was developed by Sudbury's Canadian Blood Services to help boost blood donations during the summer months, recruit new and lapsed donors as well as regular donors.
Equally important, its focus on students has encouraged this next generation of blood donors to get involved in the process of donor recruitment and to better understand the constant need for blood.
It has been four years since this innovative program was originally developed in Sudbury. Due to its great success, it has since been adopted as a regional program in Ottawa, Sudbury and Kingston.
Since 2005 Bloodstock has brought in a total of 1,655 donors, 586 of whom were first-time donors, and has awarded $22,750 worth of bursaries that were provided by Sudbury, Ottawa and Kingston businesses and organizations.
Five $1,000 education bursaries for students in Sudbury have been donated by Vale Inco to Bloodstock 2008.
This year, the program is off to a great start. More than 600 names have been submitted, and there have been 201 donations. Such good participation suggests a promising future for Bloodstock 2008.
By highlighting the importance of their recruitment efforts, students will realize the difference they are potentially making in the lives of others.
Not only do they have an opportunity to receive $1,000 towards their school tuition, they can also help save over 75 lives by recruiting at least 25 people to donate blood.
Canadian Blood Services is located at 235 Cedar Street in Sudbury. For further information about Bloodstock call 674-2636 or to register for an appointment please call 1-888-236-6283.
