By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
A Snoopy T-shirt licensed to the American Red Cross has gone viral, driving huge traffic to blood donor clinics.
The literally life-saving licensing deal with Peanuts Worldwide went viral on TikTok since it was launched on April 1, encouraging many first-time donors to give blood in exchange for the exclusive shirt.
The shirt shows Snoopy’s aloof alter ego Joe Cool leaning against the Red Cross symbol, and reads, “Be Cool. Give Blood.”
The Red Cross says the collaboration has resulted in a huge increase in appointments for blood donations, driven in part by TikTok users who filmed their visit to the blood donor clinic, and showing off their new shirts. One TikTok contributor, Cathy Chang, who goes by @uh…o_o, posted a six-second video that earned a staggering 4 million views.
The collaboration has increased traffic and the number of appointments being made for blood donations, according to the Red Cross. It’s found an audience on TikTok, with users documenting their visit and their new shirt, which features Snoopy’s alter ego, Joe Cool, and the phrase “Be Cool. Give Blood.”
Cathy Chang, who goes by @uh…o_o on TikTok, posted a 6-second video Wednesday about her shirt that garnered over 4 million views. “If I see something cute and I don’t have to pay for it, I’m gonna go do whatever I need to do to get it,” she said.
Commenters on her video shared their feelings about the hype around the collaboration.
“They’re finally realizing we will do anything for merch,” one person said.
“i literally skipped class to go donate blood to get my shirt,” said another.
While not encouraging people to skip classes, the Red Cross is obviously thrilled with the huge response. “It’s been really great to see so many young folks so fired up by this particular partnership and realizing that maybe their fear of needles or other concerns aren’t as bad as what they thought they might be,” said Darren Irby, the executive director of national brand partnerships.
The Red Cross said web traffic to its appointments page soared 50% compared to the organizations six-month running average. “What’s really cool and speaks to the social aspect of this is that organic search is up 600% over the last couple of days,” Irby added.
The promotion was launched between the American Red Cross and Peanuts on April 1 to market National Volunteer Month.
“As a thank-you, all who come to give April 1-23 will receive an exclusive Red Cross and PEANUTS T-shirt featuring Snoopy as the coolest beagle in town, Joe Cool, while supplies last,” the partners said. As well, all donors who give blood from April 1-30 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a three-night trip for two to Sonoma County, California, which includes flights, hotel, a $1,000 gift card and special tours of the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Snoopy’s Home Ice, courtesy of Peanuts Worldwide.
However, if you want to get the popular Snoopy T-shirt, you’ll have to act fast, as that promotion ends on April 23.
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