By Troy Gillard

roll 'em up

Bucs, Titans duelling in support of Canadian Blood Services

Jan 2, 2021 | 1:16 PM

The Central Alberta Buccaneers and Red Deer Titans are in the midst of their ‘Winter Blood Fest’ challenge to drum up donations for Canadian Blood Services.

“Because of COVID restrictions we can’t send a bunch of people at the same time, so have to donate over a range of days and send people in one by one,” said Todd Lewis with the Buccaneers.

“We thought it’d be more fun if we had another team to compete against. Given the nature of sports, competition is important to us. When you have competition it gives you more motivation to go out there and give it your all.”

Jula Bartfai with the Titans says their rugby community wasn’t about to back down from a challenge by their gridiron counterparts.

“We’re coming at it and we’re trying our best. It’s a good cause so we’re all in,” she said.

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Lewis noted that late December-early January is typically a slow time for blood donations due to the holidays, and the COVID-19 pandemic has added to that.

“That makes our competition just that much more important to us. We really encourage not just the players, but also fans, supporters and volunteers who want to donate to do so. Our province needs blood, it’s absolutely important for the community.”

The ‘Winter Blood Fest’ between the Buccaneers and Titans runs through January 31.

Visit blood.ca to book an appointment or email todd.lewis@wolfcreek.ab.ca to learn more about the challenge.