51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø

Jan. 13, 2021

“Extraordinary” sums up 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø’s support for Canadian Blood Services in 2020.  

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø donors contributed 477 units of blood to Canadian Blood Services – a record-breaking amount that surpassed the university’s pledge goal by 127 donations.  

“The pandemic has changed many things, but not the continued need for life-saving blood donors,” says Carleen Carroll, assistant vice-president: External Relations at 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø. “The 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø community has stepped up to support Canadian Blood Services so that they can provide blood to those in need. I am incredibly proud of our 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø blood donors.” 

51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø faculty, staff, students and regularly rolled up their sleeves last year with some making milestone donations, including 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø employee Ted Collins, who donated for his 70th time in December. But roughly one-third of 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø’s blood donations in 2020 came from a new and competitive group of donors: student-athletes. 

51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø’s Athletics and Recreation department, which oversees the university’s , launched a “blood battle” with its counterpart at the University of Waterloo. The battle, which began in October, pits varsity teams against one another to see who can make the most blood donations. While the Golden Hawks currently lead in donations, the friendly competition runs throughout March.

“The donation battle has been an excellent way to support Canadian Blood Services and the work they do to save lives,” says KP Anand, associate director: business operations with Athletics and Recreation at 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø. “Athletics is proud of our donors and looks forward to watching – and hopefully winning – the battle in the coming months.” 

All members of the 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø community can support the university’s Canadian Blood Services pledge by using 51³ÉÈ˸£ÀûÍø’s pledge ID, WILF001529, when donating or completing the .  

. Visit the Canadian Blood Services website for details about donor health requirements, screening measures and cleaning practices. If you are unsure if you are eligible to donate, please visit the Canadian Blood Services or call 1-888-2-DONATE to speak with a nurse.