Unyts & Shawnee Volunteer Fire Co. hosting Brandon Kupiec Memorial Blood Drive

Niagara County’s largest blood drive

Members of the Kupiec family, along with Unyts and the Shawnee Volunteer Fire Co., are hosting a community blood drive honoring the memory of North Tonawanda native Brandon Kupiec from 1 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1. Kupiec died unexpectedly in 2013 at the age of 20. His family holds this yearly event in his honor. Shawnee Volunteer Fire Co. will host the event at the firehall, 3747 Lockport Road.

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. The family is asking the community to share in his memory by donating on his behalf.

“We have set a goal to collect 100 pints of blood in six hours. It can be done, we’ve done it for six years. To date, we have collected 695 pints of blood, recognizing this event as Niagara County’s largest blood drive!” the family said.

In addition, there will be a large basket raffle, supporting a welding scholarship in Brandon’s name awarded to a local high school student who shares the gift of welding – another one of Kupiec’s passions. 

“With schools that host blood drives on break and many individuals enjoying vacation, summer presents a difficult time to collect donations. However the critical need for blood does not change,” the family added.

All donors will receive a free hot dog lunch/dinner, two Buffalo Bison flex tickets, and a sheet of raffle tickets for the many donated raffle items.