Laurier community supports Canadian Blood Services with 477 blood donations

Jan. 13, 2021

“Extraordinary” sums up Wilfrid Laurier University’s support for Canadian Blood Services in 2020.  

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Laurier 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 Laurier. “The Laurier 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 Laurier blood donors.” 

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

Laurier’s Athletics and Recreation department, which oversees the university’s varsity teams, 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 Laurier. “Athletics is proud of our donors and looks forward to watching – and hopefully winning – the battle in the coming months.” 

All members of the Laurier community can support the university’s Canadian Blood Services pledge by using Laurier’s pledge ID, WILF001529, when donating or completing the Partners for Life registration form.  

It is safe to donate blood during COVID-19. 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 eligibility page or call 1-888-2-DONATE to speak with a nurse.