SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — A friendly competition is underway in Sioux Falls that will ultimately save lives.
The bloodmobile set up shop at Hy-Vee on E. 10th Friday, helping kick off the Heroes Behind The Badges blood drive.
“It’s a way to encourage people to come out and give blood, but also to honor our local heroes, the individuals in our community that really make our community safe every single day of the year,” Executive Director Ken Versteeg said.
Community Blood Bank Executive Director Ken Versteeg says Heroes Behind The Badges is a competition between the Sioux Falls Police Department and Fire Rescue to see who can earn the most votes among donors. It’s the organization’s most important event as many schools and businesses are unable to host during the holidays.
“This is a way for us to make it fun for people on the holidays but also to understand that it’s a really important time of year for us to see people come in and give because we don’t take a vacation. That blood continues to be used every single day,” Versteeg said.
Every donation counts, especially when it comes to the competition. A record 1,308 pints were collected last year, with the police department winning by only four votes.
“At the end of this event, the winners actually receive some money to give to their charity of choice and so do the not-so-happy losers in this event, but it’s a win for our community because all it does is it really saves lives, it makes a big difference,” Versteeg said.
“There’s always a need for blood, our local hospitals, there’s always a need,” Canton resident Kim Dahl said.
Kim Dahl would know as she works for Sanford. She gives blood on a regular basis, but does have a rooting interest in this competition.
“I’m donating today because my son is a firefighter with Sioux Falls Fire Rescue,” Dahl said.
Not everyone is an experienced donor, but Versteeg says one time might do the trick.
“If you’ve never donated blood, give it a try. The first time, I have a lot of people say that the first time was the fear and after that they become lifelong blood donors,” Versteeg said.
The Heroes Behind The Badges blood drive continues through January 4th. The bloodmobile will be back on the road Monday, or you can visit the donor room at Sanford, Avera, or Dawley Farm.
