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Alaska Airlines helps hero donor complete 50-state blood donation journey

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Alaska Airlines helps hero donor complete 50-state blood donation journey
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Max Tidwell Vice President, Safety and Security, Alaska Airlines | Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines is providing Vinton Smith with the 'Gift of Travel' to Hawaii, allowing him to complete his mission of donating blood in all 50 states. This journey began over a decade ago on World Blood Donor Day, June 14. Smith will make his final donation in Honolulu, accompanied by his family, turning this event into a significant personal and communal milestone.

Last summer, Alaska Airlines flew Smith to Anchorage for his 49th state donation at the Blood Bank of Alaska. The airline also contributed $10,000 to support the organization's essential services. Smith's mother, who inspired him to become a donor, will join him in Honolulu as he concludes his mission. His children will also participate by donating blood.

Smith shared his gratitude: “As a young boy, I vividly remember both of my parents donating blood. At 17, I became a donor myself... I’m incredibly grateful to Alaska for offering my family and me the ‘Gift of Travel,’ but also for providing me with a platform to share the powerful message of this life-saving act of kindness."

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Daniel Chun from Alaska Airlines expressed admiration for Smith's journey: “Over the past year, we’ve had the privilege of joining Vinton on this heartwarming journey... It’s an honor to help him reach this milestone.”

Hawaiian Airlines employees will contribute by donating blood on June 12 when the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i sends a donor vehicle to their headquarters in Honolulu. Hawaiian Airlines has partnered with the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i to ensure regular transport of blood supplies across islands.

Dr. Kim-Anh Nguyen from the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i acknowledged Hawaiian Airlines' role: “We are grateful for the vital role Hawaiian Airlines plays in Hawai‘i’s healthcare infrastructure... Mahalo to both Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines for their partnership in helping save lives across our state.”

On World Blood Donor Day, June 14, individuals can donate at two fixed locations in Hawaii and receive thank-you gifts while supplies last. To encourage donations leading up to this day, Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines are offering sweepstakes entries for roundtrip tickets as an incentive.

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