(rdnewsNOW/Sheldon Spackman)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

aid to humanity

Local church donation event spotlights need for blood products

May 20, 2021 | 2:56 PM

A Red Deer church congregation is demonstrating the power of group blood donation this long weekend.

Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) is sending close to 30 people this Saturday to donate at Canadian Blood Services in Red Deer as part of its nationwide Aid To Humanity campaign.

More than 150 people will donate between Red Deer and Calgary.

“We highly encourage all organizations and workplaces to also do what they can to involve all of their members in working hand in hand with Canadian Blood Services to help address the needs of patients Canada-wide,” says District Minister, Brother Rolando E. Gaviola.

“In cooperation with the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation and INCGiving Project, our church unceasingly strives to fulfill the teachings of our Lord God written in the Bible. One of which is to do good to those who need it (Proverbs 3:27 TEV). Donating blood is one of the ways our unity within the Church can help positively impact the growing medical needs of the communities that we are in, especially during this ongoing pandemic.”

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Members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo recently made a group blood donation at the Canadian Blood Services branch in Calgary, and are doing the same this weekend in Red Deer. (Supplied)

Marissa Stryker, Canadian Blood Services Territory Manager for central Alberta, applauds the motivation and generosity of the church, adding that there are still many appointments to be filled up to the end of the month.

That includes 50 open spots Thursday through Saturday and another 120 by May 31.

Walk-ins are not permitted at this time, and the best way to book one on short notice is through the GiveBlood mobile app. You can also do so by visiting blood.ca or calling 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283).

Stryker says group donations are also strongly encouraged and can be much fun.

“People are being asked to stay local and stay home, but ongoing blood donation is required to support life-saving care for Canadians, even during the pandemic, so it’s a great excuse to get out of the house if you’re feeling well,” she says.

“During a time we can’t really see each other, this is a way to both mobilize diverse communities and bring awareness about the need for donors, all while volunteering your time and socializing, socially distanced of course.”

Canadian Blood Services is currently staggering appointment times for group donations with beds six feet apart. The Life Bus shuttle is also still available but will carry limited numbers of passengers at any one time.

Stryker adds the need for blood has remained constant, despite the pandemic keeping people closer to home.

As of this spring, regulations say people are not eligible to give blood for 14 days following recovery from a COVID-19 infection. Donors who have received the COVID-19 vaccine are not required to wait.