No matter how different we think we are, we are actually all connected by one thing: blood. The same blood that runs through one person’s body can save another’s life.

The Red Cross Connection is an app that makes this happen. It lets you be part of a network of volunteers with a purpose: to reach out to blood donors and help raise blood donations, ensuring that enough blood is available for people in need.

By downloading the app and connecting with your Facebook account, you’ll receive alerts when blood is needed to help save lives. Even if you can’t donate, just click share to spread the alert among your friends and family.

One blood donation can help save three lives. But by donating and sharing the alert, you can start a chain reaction to reach potential donors, saving countless more.

Red Cross Connection lets you:

• Receive and share alerts for needed blood types and the amount needed

• Track your contributions, lives saved, shares and when you can donate next

• View your friends on the network and invite others to join

• Locate the nearest donation centre

• Check-in at the centre to inspire your friends to answer the alert

• Receive invitations to Red Cross donation drives and events