Find a Blood Drive
Find a Blood Drive
The Richmond SPCA in Richmond, Viriginia, believes that every life is precious, both animal and human. An established nonprofit no-kill humane society in their area, they’re known for facilitating adoptions for all kinds of pets, providing medical care, behavioral support and training classes, and offering free sterilization procedures to feral community cats. They’re also now known for something else: hosting blood drives for the American Red Cross.
Each drive that the Richmond SPCA organizes is held in honor of a beloved staff member’s husband, Andrew, who died of cancer in 2022. Andrew received several blood transfusions throughout his illness and hoped to give blood if he went into remission. Upon his passing, his widow, Chris, asked her fellow staff members to donate blood. It was this request that inevitably inspired the rescue to host blood drives at their humane center, encouraging colleagues and the broader community to help save lives in Andrew’s honor.
The Richmond SPCA has hosted two drives so far, with the third planned on June 8, 2023. Several team members gave blood for the first time and mentioned they intend to continue giving. Their drives are held during the adoption center’s hours of operation so that donors can give blood and enjoy some time with the available animals after.
“There is a lot of alignment in the missions of the Red Cross and the Richmond SPCA — we are both centered around compassion and lifesaving,” says Tamsen Kingry, chief executive officer for the Richmond SPCA. “Hosting drives at the Richmond SPCA was a meaningful way for us to support Chris, honor Andrew and give back to others in their times of need.”
If you’re located in the Richmond area, you can join them at their next blood drive to honor Andrew, help patients in need and maybe even find your new furry friend.
Interested in organizing your own blood drive? You can apply to host your own in-person blood drive or start your own virtual blood drive.
Helping to save lives and leading with compassion are at the heart of the Red Cross and the Richmond SPCA. You can be a part of these missions.