Ducks and the Beavers fans have a chance to participate in a friendly competition outside of the Civil War game.

The Civil War Blood Drive is marking its 13th year, and through Nov. 23, donors can give blood in favor of the Ducks or the Beavers. The team earning the most donations will win bragging rights and a trophy.

Blood donors can sign up in the EMU lobby, at the Duck Store or online.

Created by Lane Blood Center, the friendly rivalry began as a way to boost the holiday blood inventory. The Ducks have won the statewide competition the last four years.

Chelsie Wong, mobile recruitment supervisor for Lane Blood Center said, “People are busy with the holidays and there is a decrease in blood donations during December and January, and this is a powerful cause we can all get behind.”

Over the years, the competition grew and there’s a steady increase in blood donations. “People try to save their donation for the Civil War Blood Drive,” Wong said.

Wong has been organizing the Civil War drive for the last six years. She said donors can be pretty rabid about the competition, in part because each donor is entered into a drawing for tickets to the Civil War game.

“We collect roughly 8,000 units (of blood) statewide during this competition,” Wong said. “On campus, we collect around 700 units that can go to 2,700 people. What you can actually do with one hour of your time is powerful.”

After blood is donated, it’s only good for 42 days so the supply is in constant need of replenishment, Wong said.

Donors are enthusiastic about the competition and many UO students are first-time donors. Each is walked through the process and told about the importance of donating blood, she said.  

Wong and some of her colleagues decided to use a pedometer to see how far they walk during the event. They cover approximately 10 miles per day during the drive.

“I love it. This is our busiest time of the year,” she said.

Wong said the Lane Blood Center encourages people to donate throughout the year. The blood drive also is supported by the UO Blood Drive Association, the American Red Cross, the UO Alumni Association and the OSU Alumni Association.

Click here for more info about the Civil War Blood Drive.

―By Corinne Boyer, Public Affairs Communications intern