Galloway Ridge at Fearrington sponsored the 9th Annual American Red Cross Blood Drive for Chatham County on Tuesday, March 14th Over 75 donors arrived to give blood and the Red Cross team collected 49 usable pints (including the donors who chose to participate in double red collection) along with 6 donors who were deferred based on various reasons. The blood drive reached across generations as it celebrated the bonds between old and new friends, neighbors, and co-workers with the common cause of helping others through blood donations.

The blood drive was managed by a committee of volunteers consisting of residents of Galloway Ridge, staff and community volunteers. There were 34 volunteers throughout the day checking in donors, greeters, parking attendees, logistics, and donor recovery area. “Everyone at Galloway Ridge realizes just how important Red Cross blood drives are — so it is very easy to recruit volunteers to help wherever they are needed during the drive”, stated Barb Fritschel.

There’s a lot of history with the Chatham County Blood Drive with each year setting and mostly achieving a different objective. This year’s goal was to fill the schedule with at least 70 appointments prior to the actual drive and factor in walk in donors to assist with the final count. By the end of the four-hour blood drive 68 people had registered to donate, including nine first-time donors. “Overall, I was really impressed by the professionalism of the team that was working the drive. They knew what the tasks were for the drive and were efficient in making me feel very comfortable,” said a repeat donor.

“The repeat donors and walk-ins all contribute to the success of the event however the new donors play a very important role. Donating blood can be a thought-provoking decision to make and when first timers register to give it’s a celebratory moment for all. Once you donate the first year you typically return the following years. Getting over your fear is part of the battle,” said Pat Richardson, Director of Communications and Community Relations at Galloway Ridge.

The 9th Annual Chatham County Blood Drive was a success, but their goal will be to exceed their efforts next year in 2018 celebrating 10 years.

Galloway Ridge is a nonprofit Life Plan Community (LPC) located just eight miles south of Chapel Hill in Pittsboro, North Carolina. We’re vibrant. We’re distinctive. We’re family. We’re Galloway Ridge.

CONTACT: Pat Richardson
(919) 642-6893