Safelite’s Columbus Staff Donates 200 Gallons of Blood to the American Red Cross
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Aug. 26, 2013 - On August 26, Safelite AutoGlass® recognized 70 employees who have donated one or more gallons of blood to the America Red Cross of Greater Columbus (ARCGC). Each time an individual donates blood, they generally donate a pint, which can save up to three lives. This group of volunteers has reached nearly 200 gallons, impacting roughly 4,300 lives. CEO of ARCGC Matt Bertram visited the Safelite® headquarters to pass out certificates and pins.
One of Safelite’s top donors is Terry McQuillan in the I.T. department, who began donating blood when he was in the Army back in 1968. “After going overseas to Vietnam, I saw first-hand the need for it,” he explained. McQuillan typically volunteers to donate the maximum amount – a “double red” every 16 weeks. His O+ blood type is considered to have the “K factor,” meaning it’s safe for newborns. “It makes me feel good, especially when I get to see the babies’ lives I’ve helped.”
Safelite® has supported the American Red Cross since the early 90s in a variety of ways including frequent blood drives at the Columbus headquarters. Safelite’s volunteer team (Kevin Kinnison, Stephanie Spires, Beth Day, Pat Hibbard) has doubled the number of blood drives held yearly at Safelite® since 2009: reaching four drives in 2012. In addition, Safelite® has held Urgent Need/Trauma Season drives when the need has been presented by the ARCGC. Safelite® associates have donated 600+ units of blood in the last three years and sees 10-12 first-time donors at each drive.
In addition, Safelite® participates in ARCGC’s “Ready When the Time Comes” (RWTC) program, which provides volunteers from partner companies to be immediately ready to help in the time of a local, large scale disaster.
ARCGC also was the recipient of one of four Safelite’s Impact Grants worth $25,000 in 2011. The grant was used to purchase a vehicle to further the mission of its Community Transportation program, which provides critical-need transportation to the elderly and disabled who require help getting to their necessary medical appointments.
Finally, Paul Koehler, IT director at Safelite AutoGlass®, was named to the board of directors for the American ARCGC in 2011. He is the third Safelite® leader to serve on the board since the company’s president and CEO Tom Feeney served from 2004-2008.
About Safelite AutoGlass®
Safelite AutoGlass®, founded in 1947, is the nation’s leading provider of vehicle glass repair and replacement services, providing mobile service to more than 95 percent of the U.S. population in all 50 states. The Columbus, Ohio-based company employs nearly 10,000 people across the United States and serves more than 4.1 million customers annually. For more information, visit www.safelite.com.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org/ or visit us on Twitter at twitter.com/redcross