Live orchestra helps draw new blood donors in Kokkola

Live performances by the Central Ostrobothnia Chamber Orchestra are helping attract new blood donors in Kokkola, Yle reports. Donors say the music makes the experience less stressful.

Emilia Lepola donated blood for the first time at Kaarlela Parish Hall in Kokkola after a colleague encouraged her to take part. She was surprised to find the internationally respected orchestra performing during the session.

“It certainly helps and eases the tension,” Lepola said. She added that she would donate blood again because doing something good was rewarding. “I certainly do not regret it,” she said.

The orchestra will perform at blood donation sessions in Kokkola on three days during the autumn. Its first performance took place on Thursday.

The idea came directly from the orchestra to the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service. For the musicians, performing at a blood donation session was a new experience, although the ensemble has previously played in hospitals, care homes and shops.

“We tried to play both lively and calmer pieces, so that the blood would flow,” said Teija Pääkkönen, leader of the second violins. She joked that none of the musicians fainted because they could not see the blood donation taking place.

The orchestra had a programme of about 20 pieces, including music by Mozart, Grieg and Niittykoski. The selection was adapted to the location and nature of the event, with cheerful and accessible music chosen instead of the most modern works.

More new donors needed

About 110,000 people in Finland donate blood each year. The number of donations is around 170,000 because many people donate more than once.

However, the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service says it needs more first-time donors. Just under 19,000 new donors registered in 2025, compared with a target of 22,000.

Willy Toiviainen, the Blood Service’s director of communications and human resources, said the most effective way to reach new donors was simple: encouragement from another person.

“The most important communication tool for reaching new donors is another person. Encouraging a friend makes a big difference,” Toiviainen said.

The Blood Service also works with organisations including garrisons, educational institutions and sports clubs. Åbo Svenska Teater in Turku has hosted blood donation sessions on its stage since 2017. In June 2026, blood was donated in connection with the summer theatre production Dracula: The Bloody Truth at Törnävä Summer Theatre in Seinäjoki.

A symphony orchestra performed at a blood donation session in Lahti in May 2025, and another similar event is planned there for late September. Toiviainen said such partnerships attract new donors while also bringing thanks and enjoyment to regular donors.