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Skoda is looking to improve the levels of blood donation in Ireland, so its Skoda Service aftercare department is teaming up with the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) to promote donation and blood bank supplies.
At the moment, the national blood bank has around six days' supply of blood for transfusions, which is not really a lot. With dealership footfall at its highest in the first couple of months of the year, Skoda Service is aiming to encourage people to donate their precious fluids as they pop in to view the new cars on offer.
Skoda dealers will display informational videos and blood facts in their waiting areas and Skoda drivers will receive information about blood donation in their car, post service. Skoda Service will also promote blood donation as part of a national marketing campaign. Over 700 people are employed throughout the Skoda dealer network in Ireland, all of whom will be encouraged to give blood regularly during the year.
Commenting on the partnership; William Lee, Head of Aftersales at Skoda Ireland, said: "Quality, expertise and safety is at the core of what we do here at Skoda Service. This is why we are extremely proud to partner with Irish Blood Transfusion Service in 2019. One in four people will need a blood transfusion at some point in their lives but yet only 3 per cent of the eligible population are currently donating blood. We are delighted to be supporting GiveBlood.ie and hope that this initiative will increase blood donations from our customers consistently over the coming years and provide a stable and regular supply of blood."
Also commenting; Stephen Cousins, from the Irish Blood Transfusion Service: "We are delighted to partner with Skoda Service. We know that Skoda Dealers aim to not just service their customers' cars, but to also ensure the well-being of everyone that travels in them. We are pleased to see them expand this by helping to encourage blood donations in their local communities".