Driverseat Sudbury has added some incentive for Sudburians to get into the spirit of giving this holiday season.
The company provides vehicle chauffeur service in an effort to deter impaired driving and gets people home safe, with their vehicles, much like Safe Ride Home Sudbury does year round.
Driverseat has partnered with Canadian Blood Services and is giving away $1,200 worth of gift cards until Dec. 14. Anyone who gives blood between now and next Friday can enter a draw to win either a Driverseat voucher or a gift card for a number of different Sudbury businesses in the amount of $25.
"We're trying to do what the food bank is doing, how they have a big drive near Christmas time," said Tom Tobin, owner of Driverseat Sudbury. "There's also a big need for blood donations so we're trying to get people to come out and donate by offering them a chance to win a prize."
Driverseat is giving away $600 worth of designated driver service in $25 vouchers, and $600 worth of gift cards for local businesses such as Salute, Cafe One, Buzzy Brown's and Eddie's Restaurant. Anyone who donates blood between now and Dec. 14 will be given a ballot to fill out for a chance to win one of the $25 gifts.
Canadian Blood Services is an organization that is near and dear to Tobin, who has been a blood donor since he was 17-years-old. Last February, Driverseat hosted a week-long donor clinic in honour of DJ Hancock's birthday.
"I've been a blood donor since I was able to and it's something that I've always done," said Tobin. "For me, I think Driverseat and blood donors are similar, in that I think our drivers are heroes, they help keep our roads safe. Blood donors are the same, they're kind of unspoken heroes who are helping to save lives."
Tobin says that Driverseat is looking to organize different events like this every year in order to give back to the community in whatever way they can.
"The more donors we get out the better," said Tobin. "I'm hopeful that we see an increase, but even if there's not it's still nice to give back to these people and let them know that we're thankful for what they're doing."
To learn more about donating blood, visit Canadian Blood Services online at blood.ca or stop by their office at 944 Barrydowne Rd.
