IBTS and Vodafone Launch innovative blood donor service

IBTS and Vodafone launch innovative blood donor service

500,000 free text messages to be provided by Vodafone

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) and Vodafone Ireland have announced a new text message initiative to encourage more blood donations. 

The service, which was officially launched at the Dublin Chamber of Commerce After Hours Evening on Tuesday, 29th November, provides the option for blood donors to receive a text message reminding them to give blood on the day a clinic is in their area. 

Developed by Vodafone Ireland, the initiative, which until now has been run on a pilot basis, will see over half a million text messages sent free of charge by Vodafone Irelandto blood donors.  

Mobile is all about enabling communication, said Teresa Elder, CEO, Vodafone Ireland.  Together with the IBTS, weve been able to use the power of Vodafones mobile network to communicate directly with blood donors, to increase blood donations and ultimately save lives.  Were very proud to be able to help the IBTS, a vital national institution.

The IBTS will be further supported by Vodafone Irelandthrough regular employee Blood Donation Days on site and they are a regular supporter to the IBTS Annual Blood for Life Week Campaign.

Text messaging has a critical role to play in communicating with donors,  says Andy Kelly, Chief Executive for the IBTS.   Were grateful to have the support of Vodafone Ireland in encouraging more people to give blood regularly.  We would also like to congratulate Vodafone on winning the award for Best New and Innovative Corporate Social Responsibility Award for their partnership with ourselves, with the Chamber of Commerce earlier this month.

With 3,000 blood donations needed each week in the Republic of Ireland and blood only having a shelf life of 35 days, blood is always needed.  For further information on donating blood or to learn more about including blood donation in a Corporate Responsibility Programme, visit www.ibts.ie or call 1850 731 137

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Áine Murphy, Marketing Executive, Irish Blood Transfusion Service, National Blood Centre, Jamess Street, Dublin 8

01-4322913 or 086-3835609