Donor groups logged 44,000 blood donation visits

In a Donor group, members collect donation points into a shared pool while doing good at the same time. Last year, as many as 2,370 new donors joined through Donor groups, and nearly 44,000 blood donation visits were registered for members of these groups.

The most active Donor groups of 2024 have once again been rewarded. This year, a record-breaking number of over 1,000 certificates of recognition were distributed. The most active Donor Groups of 2024 were OP Kaakkois-Suomi, the Turku-based ice hockey club TUTO Hockey, and the Tampere-based ice hockey club KOOVEE Hockey. OP Kaakkois-Suomi logged as many as 679 donation visits during the year.

The certificates can be downloaded by the groups from the Blood Service’s material bank.

Community spirit saves lives

In Finland, there are already over 5,000 Donor groups collecting donation points into shared pools. For instance, a company, educational institution, or hobby group can establish a Donor group.

Donor group activity is growing rapidly and plays a significant role for patients. A single donation can help up to three patients.

How does a Donor Group work?

You can join a Donor Group by mentioning its name the next time you donate blood. Each donation visit earns one point for the group’s pool. Anyone can start a group, even someone who does not donate blood themselves. Check here to see if your workplace, school, or hobby group already has a Donor group.

If you cannot donate blood yourself, you can still promote the group and encourage others to join. A blood donor can belong to only one Donor Group at a time, but switching groups is always possible.

Alone or in a group

You can donate blood at any donation site, and we do not share any personal or other identifiable information with the group leader or other members. Blood donation can be done alone or with a group. If donating with a larger group, you can book simultaneous time slots by calling 0800 0 5801. You can also book a time yourself.

For groups of at least four people, free round-trip taxi transportation is available if needed.

What are the benefits of a donor group?

For ten visits in one calendar year, the group receives the Blood Service’s annual certificate of recognition. For 20 visits, the group gets a silver certificate; for 30 visits, a gold certificate; and for 50 visits, a platinum certificate. Blood donation is a powerful way to do good together: One donor helps three patients, and three donors help nine!

Many companies allow blood donation during work hours. Learn more about the Blood Service’s workplace certification.