Sand Island Ohana Gives Big at Third Blood Drive
Sand Island Ohana Gives Big at Third Blood Drive
On July 12, Matson held its third blood drive of 2023 to support the Blood Bank of Hawaii (BBH) at its Sand Island headquarters, following drives in January and May.
Matson held its first blood drive in 2014, the same year it donated in-kind services to move the BBH’s then brand-new Bloodmobile to Hawaii. Since then (not including the COVID years), Matson has held annual blood drives on-site at its Hawaii headquarters. Matson donations total more than 660 pints through more than 20 BBH drives.
According to Justin Martin, marketing manager, Blood Bank of Hawaii, “We supply blood to all 18 civilian hospitals statewide and need about 150-200 donations per day to meet demand. We have two brick-and-mortar collection sites, both on Oahu, and we partner with folks at Kapolei Commons, Waikele Shopping Center, and Windward Mall to set up other regular collection locations. Once a month, we visit a neighboring island to conduct a three-day drive.”
“Each pint can save up to three lives,” said Jocelyn Chagami, director, IT technical solutions, and one of the drive’s four committee members, which also includes Janet Hong, community relations manager, Jon Sakamoto, superintendent/planner, and Bryan Gomes, account executive, sales.
“We have numerous dedicated donors amongst our Matson Ohana,” Chagami added. “Bryan Gomes, a fellow committee member, is a longtime blood donor who has made over 150 donations! Jon Sakamoto recently surpassed 75 donations.”
“I’m proud, inspired, and hopeful to work amongst my fellow Matson colleagues,” declared Sakamoto. “They are generous, willing, and committed to doing the right thing in everything they do, including contributing to our precious blood bank levels, which help to keep our community strong. Imua Matson!”
Thank you to all of our lifesaving donors!