To commemorate Remembrance Day, Canadian Blood Services encourages more Canadians to #givelife by donating blood, a gift in honour of the contributions of the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Members of the armed forces are themselves some of the most generous donors. In 2006, the Department of National Defence became Canadian Blood Services first national Partner for Life organization. Since then, they have provided more than 30,000 blood donations to our national blood supply.

In 2016, National Defence is aiming to contribute at least 600 new donors and 6,000 donations from Canadian Armed Forces and civilian employees across the country. Besides pledged support, partners can also adopt specific clinics, arrange group donations, and help raise awareness of the need for donors.

“There are many different ways to serve your country. Canadians can contribute by working in the line of duty like our members of the Canadian Armed Forces, or by rolling up their sleeves to help patients in hospitals across Canada,” said Susan Matsumoto, director of donor relations in the Prairie and NWT region. “We need more Canadians to experience the feeling you get from serving your country and saving a life.”

This year alone, 100,000 new donors are needed across the country; that’s up markedly from the 85,000 new donors who have been stepping forward the last few years. The increased need for new donors is in part due to recent updates to donation rules addressing travel and health-related matters.

Also, approximately 160,000 donors stop donating each year for a variety of reasons. In order to meet anticipated patient needs, Canadian Blood Services looks to welcome close to 2,000 brand new blood donors each and every week.

Donors in Red Deer can #givelife by visiting a clinic this week, making blood donation a part of their regular activities, and inviting family and friends to donate with them in support of those who protect our lives every day. To book an appointment, use the Give Blood App or visit blood.ca.

Upcoming clinics at the Red Deer blood donor clinic (#5, 5020 – 68 St.) include Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 – 7 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

On Remembrance Day on Nov. 11th there are 36 appointments available to meet hospital demand.

Quick facts:

· During the last year of World War II, Canadians donated 890,000 units of blood for use in military hospitals. This generous response gave birth to Canada’s voluntary blood system.

· In 2016, National Defence is aiming to contribute at least 600 new donors and 6,000 donations from Canadian Armed Forces and civilian employees across the country.

· Canadian Blood Services needs to collect 17,000 units of blood each week to meet the needs of hospital patients.

· Did you know that Canadian Blood Services and the Canadian Forces are partners in research too? Read more.

· Mrs. Colleen Fitzpatrick has been recognized as the National Silver Cross Mother for 2016-2017. She lost her middle son, Corporal Darren Fitzpatrick, in 2010 while he was on active duty. One soldier’s story recounts her son’s experience and demonstrates how blood donors can make a difference.

– Fawcett