The fourth Annual Sirens for Life Blood Donor Challenge against the City Emergency Services Crews and the RCMP is in full swing.
The campaign is an annual challenge in partnership with Canadian Blood Services to see which department can bring in the most blood donations with the help from family and friends and a little friendly competition among the two. The challenge was designed to bring awareness of the need for blood and to get the community involved.
This year donations can be made temporarily at the Golden Circle until Jan. 15 and then at the regular clinic at 5520 68 St. in Red Deer from Jan. 17 until the end of the month when the winner will be announced.
Jenny Voysey, community development coordinator for Canadian Blood Services in Red Deer says anyone who wants to donate and help out the cause can make an appointment by calling 1-888-2 DONATE then they can indicate which department they are donating for.
Deputy Chief of Emergency Medical Services Greg Adair and Insp. Karen Simon of the Red Deer city RCMP started the competition with a “bleed-off” at the Golden Circle on Jan. 4 to see who could give blood faster to kick off the campaign.
Last year the RCMP won the challenge of bringing in the most blood and the most donations, but this year Adair says the City’s Emergency Services is going to give it all they got.
“I think its payback and we are coming out with full guns this year,” said Adair.
“It’s always a good challenge and its almost bragging rights, unfortunately we lost last year and came out a bit short but this year we are going to make amends.”
Adair also said what makes the challenge so exciting is the rivalry and there is no doubt that there is some going on between the two groups.
“The most exciting part is that we have to beat the RCMP this year,” said Adair.
Although the rivalry is there, it is all in good fun as first time donor, Simon said.
“I think it’s a tremendous challenge and I really hope we get lots of people out to be able to help support this,” said Simon.
“I was not here last year, but I am sure we can give them a run for their money and come out on top.”
tsigurdson@reddeerexpress.com
