Friendly’s ice cream has teamed up with the American Red Cross to give presenting blood donors a sweet reward during the month of August to help save lives.
Donors at American Red Cross blood drives in several New England states will receive a coupon for one free carton of Friendly’s ice cream. Coupons can be redeemed at Friendly’s Restaurants until Sept. 30, but not at grocery stores.
“We are thrilled that Friendly’s is supporting our lifesaving mission with this initiative,” said Donna Morrissey, American Red Cross Director of Public Relations and Corporate Affairs for the Northeast Division. “Our blood inventory is currently low.  Summer is a time when blood donations tend to dip due to travel, summer activities and the absence of high school and college blood drives. Prolonged and extremely high temperatures can also have an impact on attendance at blood drives. Because summer and ice cream just naturally go together, we hope this token of appreciation will encourage donors to come out and give the Gift of Life at this crucial time of year.”
Gary Ulrich, vice president, human resources for Friendly's said, “We realize there is great demand for blood, especially during the summer and we wanted to do our part by offering free ice cream as a thank you to presenting blood donors.  The American Red Cross is a great organization and we’re happy to partner with them in the month of August.”