By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Local blood donors honoured at special event

May 16, 2018 | 8:50 AM

Some of central Alberta’s most prolific blood donors were honoured at an event Tuesday night in Red Deer.
 
Canadian Blood Services recognized about 90 individuals for their commitment to giving life to patients across the country. Some were recognized for reaching 50, 100 and 150 donation milestones.

Donors at the event have collectively donated more than 2300 times.

Guest speaker for the evening was Red Deer native and Paralympian Tammy Cunnington, who was six-years-old when she was struck by an airplane at the Ponoka Air Show in April 1982. She underwent 17 surgeries in the weeks following the accident and received many blood transfusions. The incident wound up leaving her a paraplegic.

“Blood was the only thing that kept me alive until I could get to better treatment. Subsequent surgeries I had to save my life (over eight to nine years) and improve my quality of life needed blood as well,” she said.  “It’s such an easy thing for people to do and give. It doesn’t cost anything, but it can help someone like me and save my life.”

Cunnington added it was valuable for her to meet donors so they could see face to face the type of person they could have a hand in saving.

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Tuesday’s event at the Radisson was one of 30 being hosted across Canada by Canadian Blood Services this spring to recognize their donors, volunteers and partners.

To give blood, locate a clinic, download the GiveBlood mobile app or make an appointment at Blood.ca.