Red Deerian Elena Bakker, shown here four years ago donating blood for the first time. (Supplied)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

it's in you to give

Thurber grad calls on Red Deerians to donate blood

Jun 15, 2022 | 4:18 PM

A graduate this month of Red Deer’s Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School is asking her fellow citizens to strongly consider donating blood now and going forward.

Elena Bakker, 18, recently became involved with Canadian Blood Services after learning about the importance of blood donation from her mother, a nurse at Red Deer Regional Hospital.

The organization’s Red Deer donation centre needs 1,000 new donors this year, with 100,000 sought across the country, as supply of blood, plasma and platelets fluctuates to low levels at times.

“The need for blood products is something that affects so many more people than we realize,” says Bakker. “Over half of all Canadians will need, or have a family member who will need a blood product in their lifetime. Blood donation is a small act with a massive impact. An hour of your day can save another person’s life.”

A three-time donor herself, first giving at age 17, Bakker is signed up to give again later this month.

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Elena Bakker, 18. (Supplied)

“My only goal is continue going for as long as I can,” says Bakker, who will soon work as a page in the House of Commons as she pursues a degree in psychology. “I’m excited to go into this field and hope to find a career that fulfills my desire to help others.”

June 14 was World Blood Donor Day, and this week is National Blood Donor Week in Canada.

Jason Copping, Alberta Health Minister, stated that more than 75,000 Albertans actively donate annually — acts that truly save lives.

“Every 60 seconds, someone in Canada needs blood. About 50 per cent of Canadians are eligible to donate and only four per cent donate regularly,” he noted.

“Thank you to every Albertan who takes the time to provide blood and plasma products. From emergency departments to operating rooms, to research and producing treatments for rare diseases, none of this life-saving work is possible without the valuable gift from individuals who give blood and plasma. It is truly a humanitarian act of kindness.”

To book an appointment to donate and join Canada’s Lifeline, download the GiveBlood app, call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283), or book now at blood.ca.

Red Deer’s blood donation centre is located at 5020 68 Street.

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Thurber grad calls on Red Deerians to donate blood

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