Netball fans the latest source of 'new blood'

The New Zealand Blood Service (NZBS) is looking to Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic fans for ‘new blood’ to meet ever increasing demand for more blood donors.

The NZBS team will be providing some sideline entertainment for ticket holders to this Sunday’s ANZ Championship game – the first game of the season for the Magic, facing off against the Southern Steel at Rotorua’s Energy Events Centre.

As part of the search for more donors, the NZBS team will be offering blood type testing for anyone 16 years and older, and will be available to answer any questions about blood donation.

NZBS National Marketing and Communications Manager Paul Hayes says the partnership with the Magic is another way for the Service to spread the word about the importance of blood donation.

“Giving blood helps save the lives of people in our community.

“We need around 3,000 people across New Zealand to donate every week, and nearly 700 in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions alone. So, we’re calling on netball fans to come in and support us with the same enthusiasm they lend the Magic.”

This year, more than 42,000 people will need blood or blood products to help save their life. While there are currently over 23,000 active blood donors in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions (18% of the nation’s donors)*, more new donors are always needed.

NZBS will be at the Energy Events Centre from 3:30pm, before the start of the game at 6:20pm. If you want to know more about donating blood, see them at the game, visit www.nzblood.co.nz or phone 0800 GIVE BLOOD.

Tickets to the match can be bought from www.ticketdirect.co.nz or by phoning 0800 484 253. Door sales are also available one hour before the game begins.