By Troy Gillard (Twitter: @Troy_Gillard)

Rebels, Hurricanes kick off annual blood donation challenge

Jan 3, 2019 | 9:51 AM

The Red Deer Rebels and the Lethbridge Hurricanes are once again competing to see who can bring in the most blood donations in the month of January.

Former Humboldt Bronco Graysen Cameron, who survived last April’s devastating bus crash that claimed the lives of 16 others, knows the importance of blood donations.

“I was lucky enough not to need any blood transfusions, but a lot of my teammates did. So this means a lot to them and it’s an important thing for me to support this. It’s tied to my heart.”

The Olds native was at the Enmax Centrium Wednesday night to help kick off the annual Rebels/Hurricanes blood donation challenge, saying he was glad to do so.

“I just thought it’d be a great opportunity for me to give back and support something that means a lot to me, my teammates and everyone who needs blood. It’s just a really important thing to do.”

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Cameron’s long road to recovery from last April’s tragic bus crash continues, but he says it’s going well.

 “Things are up and down over the last couple months, but overall really good. My health has improved and I’m just happy to be around the rink. I’m happy with where I’m at, just enjoying life right now.”

Cameron says he and his former Broncos teammates keep in touch regularly and are quick to support each other in times of need.

“We have a group chat and we talk a lot. The guys are always there for each other no matter what. When someone has something going on they’ll send out a text and we’ll rally around each other. We’re there for each other.”

The 19-year-old is back involved with hockey this season as an assistant coach with his former team, the Red Deer Optimist Chiefs.

“It’s been a ton of fun. Doug (Quinn) and Al (Parada) and Mike (Moller), I’ve learned a lot from them. It’s a lot different than playing but I had that relationship with them from before, so they welcomed me in nicely and it’s just been a blast. I’m so thankful for the opportunity they gave me.”

Hockey Gives Blood is a non-profit organization formed in the wake of the Humboldt tragedy. They have partnered with Canadian Blood Services to create awareness among the hockey community of the importance of blood donation.

Half of all Canadians will either need blood or know someone who will need blood at some point in their lives. Each year 100,000 new donors are needed to ensure there is an adequate supply of blood available to treat patients across Canada.

To take part in the Rebels/Hurricanes challenge by booking an appointment, visit blood.ca, download the GiveBlood app or call 1-888-2-DONATE.