ConnectLife, Shawnee Volunteer Fire Co. play host to Brandon Kupiec Memorial Blood Drive

In honor of Brandon’s 10th Angelversary

The Kupiec family, along with ConnectLife and the Shawnee Volunteer Fire Co., will host a community blood drive honoring the memory of North Tonawanda native Brandon Kupiec. Brandon died unexpectedly in 2013, at the young age of 20. His family holds this yearly event in his honor.

The event will take place from 1-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3, at Shawnee Volunteer Fire Co., 3747 Lockport Road. All donors will receive a free Buffalo Bills cooler, a prize raffle calendar, a coupon for a slice of Good Guys pizza, and a hot dog lunch/dinner.

A press release noted, “Since the age of 16, Brandon had been an avid blood donor. He knew the importance of blood donation. There is no substitute for blood; it has to be donated by one to give to another! We are asking the community to share in his memory by donating on his behalf. To date, we have collected over 1157 pints of blood.”

In addition, there will be a bake sale, a candle sale, and an adult beverage rig toss game, all supporting a welding scholarship in Brandon's name awarded to a local high school student who shares the gift of welding – one of Brandon's passions.

The press release noted, "Summer presents a difficult time to collect donations. However, the critical need for blood does not change. It’s imperative that we keep a safe and adequate supply of blood for local hospitals to ensure the patients in our communities have what is needed.

“Currently there is an urgent need for blood donors, with only a one- to three-day supply at any given time.”

Blood donations can be arranged here.