(rdnewsNOW/Ian Gustafson)

By Ian Gustafson

Central Alberta Brokers Day

Local brokerages roll up their sleeves for Canadian Blood Services

Nov 14, 2025 | 3:04 PM

Insurance brokers from various brokerages across Red Deer did their part to save more lives by donating blood Friday morning.

Five Red Deer brokerages donated at the Canadian Blood Services Red Deer donor centre during the Fall Get Together Challenge, a Canada-wide initiative by Canadian Blood Services that celebrates donating as a group.

The Central Alberta Brokers Day, which is part of the initiative, was spearheaded by Paramount Insurance Red Deer after they were approached by Canadian Blood Services.

Whitney Benson, with Paramount Insurance Red Deer, said they were happy to be a part of it.

“First and foremost, it saves lives, and the location in Red Deer is always under capacity. They’re always looking for blood,” Benson said. “We thought, why not bring some awareness and see what we can do?”

Last seen Nov. 28

Missing: Jimmy Eagle, 27, of Maskwacis

21h ago

the situation is dire

Two deaths, possibly from cold exposure, raise alarm amid Red Deer shelter situation and plight of homeless community

Dec 12, 2025

Lace-'Em Up!

Red Deer's outdoor rinks returning for another season

Dec 12, 2025

Jessica Hoy, also with Paramount Insurance, said they wanted to see the community of brokers in Red Deer come together. They also hope to make Central Alberta Brokers Day an annual tradition.

“There’s a lot of competition with these kinds of things, and instead of being one group against another, we just thought, why not see what we can do if we all pull together,” she said. “It shows we can bring some competitive people together to work for the community.”

(rdnewsNOW/Ian Gustafson)

Jasmine Vallarta, business development manager for Canadian Blood Services, said they booked 45 appointments, which was over half of a day of appointments.

She added they’ve never had that large of a group in Red Deer book that many appointments.

According to Vallarta, only two per cent of Canadians donate blood every year, even though half of the population could be eligible to donate.

Friday’s event was meant to raise awareness of the issue, and Vallarta said they want to be able to fill the 20 hours that are open with appointments.

“We need all the blood we can get, especially to help with patients in need across Alberta,” she said.

Blood that’s donated in Red Deer will stay in Alberta to be used for people in need. In fact, Alberta donates the most blood out of any other province.

In Red Deer, however, there’s room for more donations.

“The spirit and generosity of Albertans, you can’t surpass that… We call and say we need help, and Albertans come out,” Vallarta said.

“The need [in Red Deer] is there. We’re only open here for 20 hours per week, and we want to see it open full-time.”

Those hoping to donate can visit blood.ca or call 1-888-2DONATE to book an appointment. Same-day appointments are available, but if you’re in the area, visit the donation centre in Red Deer, located at 5020 68 Street. They’re open from Wednesday to Saturday every week.

“It’s important that during the holiday season that people do come out. We do see a spike in car accidents, so the time in need for blood is now.”