Givers of life honoured at Canadian Blood Services ceremony

Donors, recipients, volunteers and partners were honoured during a ceremony Tuesday night hosted by Canadian Blood Services.

Honouring Our LifeBlood recognizes blood and stem cell donors, specifically those who have reached significant milestones. In attendance were 14 50-time donors, 17 75-time donors, nine 100-donors donors and one 200-time donor.

Shaun Richer, Territory Manager for Central Alberta, said the need never goes away.

“Our hope is that not only did we get to celebrate with these donors, but hopefully they will inspire other Canadians to take action to donate blood and give life,” he said.

The evening’s guest speakers included 12-year-old Liam Larratt, who at just 10 years old was diagnosed with aplastic anemia. Since then, he has received more than 370 transfusions and three stem cell transplants.

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Liam recalled the day he was able to return to school after time off due to being too sick.

“It was another huge challenge because I was so far behind. I’m very grateful,” he said.  

Evonne, Liam’s mother, said there is no greater gift than that of life.

“They’ve given him the ability to heal and get better. Without them, he wouldn’t be here,” she said. “It was a long haul, and to get to 300, it took a long time, but it didn’t [at the same time], and then he became allergic to blood products.”

One man who knows what it’s like to give the gift of life is David Laing, the evening’s top honouree. Laing will donate blood for the 205th time in 54 years next Tuesday and said he keeps going because it appeals to his sense of philanthropy.

“It’s about giving of self. It’s also about being totally anonymous. I don’t have a lot of money to give to people, but I can volunteer and I can donate blood,” he said. “The person who gets my blood hasn’t got the faintest idea who I am. It just always seemed liked such a no-brainer.

Laing, a Red Deer resident, implores those who can to donate immediately.

The Red Deer office of Canadian Blood Services (5020-68 Street) is looking to fill more than 300 appointments by the end of May. The need is especially high right now with a long weekend and the summer both fast approaching.

To book an appointment, download the GiveBlood app or visit Blood.ca.